John C. Atkins (born April 29, 1970) is a former American politician and served both as a Republican and Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives from January 14, 2003 until January 14, 2014 representing District 41. Atkins was originally elected as a Republican in 2002, and switched parties in 2008. He lost to newcomer Richard G. Collins in the 2014 election.
Mr. Atkins is owner of Blue Hen Disposal which employs 10 people. His wife and two children reside in Millsboro, DE.
2002 When Democratic Representative Charles P. West, who had held the seat since 1977, retired and left the District 41 seat open, Atkins was unopposed for the September 9, 2002 Republican Primary, and won the three-way November 5, 2002 General election with 3,897 votes (59.8%) against Democratic nominee Donald Ward and Independent candidate M. Joyce Thurmon.2004 Atkins was unopposed for the September 11, 2004 Republican Primary and won the November 2, 2004 General election with 6,444 votes (69.9%) against Democratic nominee Barbara Lifflander.2006 Atkins and Lifflander were both unopposed for their September 12, 2006 primaries, setting up a rematch; Atkins won the November 7, 2006 General election with 4,199 votes (62.7%) against Lifflander (who had also qualified and received votes as the Independent Party of Delaware candidate).2008 Atkins changed to the Democratic party, and won the September 9, 2008 Democratic Primary with 1,095 votes (53.9%) in his third contest against Lifflander, and won the November 4, 2008 General election with 5,665 votes (53.0%) against Republican nominee Gregory Hastings.2010 Atkins and Hastings were both unopposed for their September 17, 2010 primaries, setting up a rematch; Atkins won the November 2, 2010 General election with 4,865 votes (55.3%) against Hastings.Rep. Atkins voted for a number of bills considered a threat by conservatives during the 147th General Assembly. Notably, a gun confiscation bill for the mentally ill (HB88), ObamaCare (HB162), and Common Core (HB334).2012 Atkins was unopposed for the September 11, 2012 Democratic Primary and won the November 6, 2012 General election with 4,421 votes (50.4%) against Republican nominee Richard Collins.2014 Atkins lost to new comer Republican Richard G. Collins. Both were unopposed in the primaries. Atkins lost, gaining only 47.8% of the vote.Arrests and Resignation
Delaware Family Court ordered Atkins to stay away from his wife and children due to violence allegations on June 5, 2014. On June 6th, 2014 Atkins filed against his wife claiming she was the one being abusive. As of June 13, 2014 both Mr. Atkins & Mrs. Atkins were given joint custody of the children.Rep. Atkins Resigned from the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee March 22, 2012 after being caught speeding. He had received a verbal warning from a police officer and sent an angry e-mail to a state police captain prior to his resignation.Rep. Atkins Resigned from his House Seat leaving a vacancy during his 2006 term as Republican prior to switching to Democrat. This was due to a report by the Ethics Committee after drunk driving, using his representative card as leniency to Ocean City, MD police, and the potential of domestic abuse.
