Ralph Begleiter
Founding director of the University of Delaware Center for Political Communication, Ralph Begleiter, again brings his experience to the debate stage as moderator. His career includes two decades as CNN’s “world affairs correspondent,” covering five U.S. Secretaries of State spanning three Presidents. At the University of Delaware, he made significant contributions, including the launch of Delaware Debates, and integrated his broadcast journalism expertise into award-winning instruction.
Tom Byrne
Tom Byrne joined Delaware First Media in 2010 as news director for Delaware Public Media’s online predecessor, DFM News. He oversaw the launch of the news service and guided its transition to Delaware Public Media. Tom is responsible for DPM’s daily news operations and coverage decisions. An award-winning journalist, Tom was named the Delaware Press Association’s 2019 Communicator of Achievement in recognition of his work in the First State.
Casey Nyman
Casey Nyman is a senior at the University of Delaware majoring in Media Communication and minoring in Journalism. As Executive Producer for the university’s student-produced news program, 49News, Casey is part of student media leadership. She joined 49News her sophomore year as a reporter. She also works as a designer and editor for the university’s web development team.
Reity O’Brien
Reity O’Brien is an attorney, former investigative reporter, Wilmington native, and a proud Blue Hen. With a degree from Vanderbilt University Law School, Reity joined Milbank LLP’s litigation department. Most recently, she was a litigation associate at Ballard Spahr LLP and is now clerking for the Delaware Court of Chancery. As a student, Reity was city editor for The Review, covering the 2010 Senate race and earning accolades from the Maryland Delaware DC Press Association.
Sarah Petrowich
Sarah Petrowich is the State Politics Reporter for Delaware Public Media. She came to the first state after graduating from the University of Missouri with a dual degree in Journalism and Political Science. While at Mizzou, Sarah worked as a student reporter, anchor, and long-form audio producer for mid-Missouri’s NPR member station, KBIA. She spent her last semester covering Missouri politics for public and commercial radio stations across the state.