The 2016 Delaware Senate election was held on November 8, 2016 to elect 11 of the 21 members to Delaware's Senate. The election coincided with the elections for other offices, including the Presidency, U.S. House of Representatives, and state house. The primary election was held on September 13, 2016.
Delaware Republicans needed to have a net gain of two seats to flip the chamber from the Democrats. However, they gained only one seat (winning 10 seats compared to 11 seats for the Democrats).
Incumbent Democrat Harris McDowell III had represented the 1st district since 1977.
Incumbent Republican Catherine Cloutier had represented the 5th district since 2001.
Incumbent Democrat President pro tempore Patti Blevins had represented the 7th district since 1991. She lost re-election to Republican Anthony Delcollo.
Incumbent Democrat David Sokola had represented the 8th district since 1991.
Incumbent Democrat Karen Peterson had represented the 9th district since 2003. Peterson retired and fellow Democrat Jack Walsh won the open seat.
Incumbent Democrat Nicole Poore had represented the 12th district since 2013.
Incumbent Democrat Majority Leader David McBride had represented the 13th district since 1979.
Incumbent Democrat Bruce Ennis had represented the 14th district since 2007.
Incumbent Republican David Lawson had represented the 15th district since 2011.
Incumbent Republican Brian Pettyjohn had represented the 19th district since 2013.
Incumbent Republican Gerald Hocker had represented the 20th district since 2013.