Sen. Chris Coons defeated challenger E. No-Trump Hansen in the Delaware primary on Tuesday, securing the Democratic nomination for a third term in November. The race drew attention for a single reason: Hansen changed his name to reflect his opposition to President Donald Trump.
The Challenger’s Name
E. No-Trump Hansen, formerly known as Eric Hansen, is a former business executive who ran on a platform of curbing presidential power. His campaign website framed the name as a statement of purpose, not a gimmick.
“The name E. (Eric) No-Trump Hansen isn’t a gimmick — it’s his complete commitment to positive change,” the website said.
Hansen told local outlet WHYY that he changed his name to reflect his opposition to Trump.
“Trump has said he’ll go after his critics by any means available,” Hansen said.
“He will go after me, but I’m willing to bear that risk anyway — because the alternative is letting things get worse for Delawareans.”
The Platform Behind the Name
Hansen’s policy pitch centered on legislation that would limit presidential power. He argued the move was needed to “restore real checks and balances, and root out corruption and self-dealing.”
The name itself was the draw. Hansen officially began campaigning under his new moniker in July, according to a statement of candidacy filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
A History of Party Hopping
Hansen is not a newcomer to Delaware politics. He previously ran as a Republican in 2024 and secured the GOP nomination.
But he ultimately lost to Sen. Lisa Blunt-Rochester, D-Del.
The loss marked the end of Hansen’s brief stint as a Republican candidate. He pivoted to the Democratic primary this cycle, facing Coons directly.
Coons’ Record and Path Forward
Coons, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, has a long record in Washington. He first entered Congress to replace then-Sen. Joe Biden, who was tapped by former President Barack Obama to be his running mate.
Coons won his first full term in 2014 and has held the seat ever since. His path to November looks clear now that he has secured the Democratic nomination.
The race pits Coons against either Mike Katz or John Shulli in the general election. Neither has yet secured the Republican nomination, so the field remains open.
A Blue Stronghold That Hasn’t Changed
Delaware has not sent a Republican to the Senate since 1966, when former Sen. J. Caleb Boggs lost re-election. Boggs was ousted by a 29-year-old Biden, cementing Delaware as a deep-blue stronghold for decades to come.
That history explains why Coons is favored in November. The First State has not elected a Republican to the upper chamber in nearly six decades.
What Comes Next
Coons’ primary win sets up a familiar matchup in November. The general election will feature Coons against the winner of the Republican primary between Katz and Shulli.
Coons has the advantage of incumbency.
The Bigger Picture
The Delaware primary is a small contest with a large headline. A candidate changed his name to signal his opposition to the sitting president, and the incumbent still won by a wide margin.
For now, the name was the story of the night.
Key Facts Box
- E. No-Trump Hansen changed his name in July, per his FEC filing.
- Hansen previously ran as a Republican and lost to Blunt-Rochester in 2024.
- Coons first entered Congress in 2014 to replace Biden.
- Delaware last elected a Republican to the Senate in 1966, when Boggs lost to Biden.
- Coons faces Mike Katz or John Shulli in November.
The primary is over. The general election is next. And Delaware’s Senate seat stays blue, at least until the voters decide otherwise.
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