Delaware law tested with resignation of council member
On Jan 5, 2026, City Council member Cory Hoffman resigned from his position following a second arrest for menacing by stalking. The reason for this arrest was cited as breaking a court order from his first stalking arrest by allegedly contacting the victim of that case.
Hoffman was a Delaware City Council member for over 6 years and was set to continue his term until 2027. With his absence from the Delaware City Council, the Third Ward remains without a representative. Hoffman faced the possibility of being expelled from council, which is allowed in section 11 of article 3 of the Delaware municipal code for multiple reasons, including committing a felony.
However, Hoffman was no stranger to controversy while in office. In 2022, Hoffman pleaded guilty to an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) and had his license suspended. Along with this, Hoffman was convicted of disorderly conduct in 2020, and was investigated by The Ohio Ethics Commission in 2022 after being accused of harassment by a Delaware home contractor.
According to section 13 of article 3 of the Delaware code, a vacancy from office of more than 90 days before the next general election of Council Member, a successor shall be chosen at that election to fill the unexpired term. However, the current council can appoint a successor with at least 4 yes votes.
The Delaware City Council has already begun the process of filling this vacancy. This included a deadline for application of Feb. 4, with applicants being required to be over the age of 18 and a resident of the Third Ward. Preferences were also expressed for applicants who obtained 25 signatures of support from Third Ward residents and who expressed interest in continuing their stay as the Third Ward representative by running for election in 2027.
These candidates will be able to attend a public meeting at City Council on Feb. 16, where dialogue between candidates and the public can happen.
Overall, the resignation of Hoffman has shown the inner workings of Delaware county law and its ability to work in an unprecedented scenario. Members of the Third Ward need to be represented by a new council member as quickly as law allows to ensure that they will be democratically represented once again when the next election happens.
