April 12, 2026

Kick-off Speech

This is the speech that I gave on April 12 during my campaign kick-off event.

Hello everyone—and thank you so much for being here today. 

My name is Luann D’Agostino, and I’m running for State Representative in District 23. 

I’m a wife, a business owner, an advocate, a community leader—and a very proud mom to three golden retrievers. 

We’re technically just outside District 23 here—just down North Star Road—but there’s a reason I wanted to bring you here today. This is a business I started back in 2006, and it represents so much of who I am and what I believe in. 

A little bit about my background: I began my career as an engineer with Hewlett-Packard. It wasn’t easy as a woman entering that field in the late 1980s, but I built a successful career and eventually made the decision to take an early retirement at age 36 after 15 years with the company. 

From there, I took a leap of faith and turned my passion into a business. 

I grew up in theater and dance, and as an adult I found ballroom dance. I loved what dance gave people—physically, mentally, emotionally—but I saw how inaccessible and unaffordable it was for so many. 

So I decided to build something different. 

I created a studio that was accessible, affordable, and inclusive. A place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels could feel welcome—and where we could truly build a community. 

At the time, people thought I was crazy. There were three other studios in New Castle County, and within two years, all three had closed. But here we are, nearly 20 years later, still standing, still growing, and still serving our community. 

That experience taught me something important: when you lead with inclusion and purpose, it works. 

Most residents of District 23 won’t meet me here—they’ll meet me when I knock on their doors in the months ahead. And when I do, I’ll do what I’ve always done: I’ll listen. 

Listening is one of the most important responsibilities of any elected official—and it’s something I’ve spent decades doing. 

For 20 years, I’ve provided pet therapy in our community, including 18 years with Paws for People. 

Now, you might wonder—what does that have to do with listening?

Therapy dogs help people feel safe. They help people relax. And when people feel safe, they open up. 

I’ve had the privilege of listening to Delawareans share some of their most personal experiences while sitting with one of my dogs. 

I’ve heard from: 

● Parents who were afraid to send their children to school 

● Families struggling to get support for children with learning differences or autism ● Patients worried about finishing chemotherapy after losing their job and health insurance ● A transgender inmate placed in a mental health unit simply because it was the only place they were safe 

● Seniors leaving the hospital with nowhere to go because they could no longer afford their homes 

● Children dealing with the violent death of a classmate 

These are not abstract issues. These are real people, real stories, and real challenges—and they deserve real solutions. 

As an engineer, I was trained to solve problems—and that’s how I approach public service. That’s why I’ve spent years advocating for: 

● Education equity, especially in the Christina School District 

● Safer communities and an end to gun violence 

● Civil rights, justice, and access to healthcare 

I didn’t grow up wanting to be in politics. I’ve always just had a drive to make things better. I’ve always been the person who, when told “that’s just how it works,” asks—why? And throughout my work, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to bridge divides. 

I’m a gun owner who has worked in leadership with Moms Demand Action to make our communities safer. 

I’m a business owner who supports workers’ rights. 

I’m a landlord who stands up for tenants’ rights. 

Because when you can bring different perspectives together, you can have conversations—and make progress—that others can’t. 

I could stand here and list every organization I’ve worked with or every award I’ve received—but you can find that online.

Today is about something more. 

It’s about getting to know the person behind the campaign. 

It’s about coming together, celebrating, and maybe—just maybe—bringing a little more joy into our lives, because we could all use that right now. 

The September primary will decide this race, and I need your support. 

You may see similar qualifications or policy positions among the candidates—but what matters most is trust. 

Trust in the person you choose to represent you. 

Someone who will show up. Someone who will listen. Someone who will fight for you. For Delaware. For Newark. For you. 

I hope to earn your support—and your vote. 

And one last thing—campaigns are expensive, especially in a competitive primary. If you’re able, I would truly appreciate your support. Every contribution makes a difference—and we’re always looking for volunteers to join the campaign. 

Thank you again for being here today.