I began my career in Delaware politics managing the successful mayoral campaign of James Baker in Wilmington and went on to serve as a senior advisor, helping lead multiple re-election efforts. I've also worked at the state and national level, including leading the Delaware Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign and serving as a National Committeeman. In 2005, I founded Ruggerio Willson Watson, which has grown into one of Delaware's top government relations firms. Today, I also serve as Interim Head of Government Relations at the University of Delaware and teach lobbying and influence at the Biden School of Public Policy. Throughout my career, I've focused on building strong relationships and delivering strategic advocacy that drives results.
1) ABILITY NETWORK OF DELAWARE
2) ALLIANCE OF AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS INC.
4) AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COS.
5) AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOC.
7) APPLE INC.
8) ARMORY FILMS
9) ARTESIAN RESOURCES AND ITS AFFLILIATES
10) ASSOCIATION FOR ACCESSIBLE MEDICINES
11) ASSOCIATION OF COASTAL TOWNS
12) ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY
14) BRAVEN
16) CABLE TV ASSOCIATION OF MD & DE
17) CARFAX INC.
20) CHEMICAL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF DELAWARE INC.
21) CHRISTIANA CARE CORPORATION
22) CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
23) COMCAST CORP. AND ITS AFFILIATES
24) COMMUNITY EDUCATION BUILDING
25) CONDUENT INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES
26) CORRECTIONAL OFFICER'S ASSN. OF DELAWARE
27) CRODA INC.
28) DAILY PAY
29) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
30) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
32) DELAWARE CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK
33) DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY
34) DELAWARE COMPENSATION RATING BUREAU INC.
35) DELAWARE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ASSOCIATION
36) DELAWARE HOTEL LODGING ASSN.
37) DELAWARE PARK MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
38) DELAWARE POLICE CHIEFS COUNCIL INC
39) DELAWARE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
44) FAITHFUL FRIENDS
45) FMC CORPORATION
46) HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE C/O MULTISTATE ASSOCIATION LLC
48) HI-CONE
49) HOME BUILDER ASSN. OF DELAWARE
50) IMPACT LIFE INC.
51) INDEPENDENT PAYROLL PROVIDER ASSOCIATION
53) INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY MARKETS ASSOC.
54) KENT SUSSEX LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE
55) KOOTH USA LLC
56) METRC
57) MODAXO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USA INC.
59) NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS (NAPEO)
62) OPHELIA
63) ORSTED
66) REHOBOTH-DEWEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
67) RHETT RUGGERIO GOVERNMENT RELATIONS LLC
68) RICHARDS LAYTON & FINGER P.A.
69) RUGGERIO WILLSON & ASSOCIATES LLC.
72) STUBHUB
76) UNITE USA INC. DBA UNITE US
78) UNITED MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE
79) UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE - OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
81) VSP VISION INC. C/O MUTLISTATE ASSOCIATES LLC
83) WILLIE'S REMEDY+
84) XEROX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES
85) ZSCALER
20+ years
Named one of the "Top 20 Most Influential in Politics and Business" by the Wilmington News Journal and DelawareOnline.com for four consecutive years (2021-2024).
In 2022, the RWW team was named some of the most influential Delawareans in politics by the Delaware News Journal.
In 2025, I chaired the inaugural festivities for Governor Matt Meyer.
I currently serve as Interim Head of Government Relations at the University of Delaware, sit on the boards of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and UD's Department of Political Science, and teach Lobbying and Influence at University of Delaware's Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy.
On Attorney General Kathy Jennings Finance Committee On Congresswoman McBride's Finance Committee
Led the Delaware Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign, including the late Beau Biden's election as Attorney General, and served as a National Committeeman and super delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
Rhett Ruggerio launched his political career in Wilmington, Delaware, managing the successful 2000 mayoral campaign of James M. Baker. He went on to serve as a top advisor to the Mayor, chairing two re-election campaigns and helping secure three terms in office. Rhett also led the Delaware Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign, including the late Beau Biden's election as Attorney General, and served as a National Committeeman and super delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
In 2025, he chaired the inaugural festivities for Governor Matt Meyer.
Rhett founded Ruggerio Willson & Associates in 2005 (now Ruggerio Willson Watson), a top-ranked firm in Delaware. He's been named one of the "Top 20 Most Influential in Politics and Business" by the Wilmington News Journal and DelawareOnline.com for four consecutive years (2021-2024).
Currently, Rhett serves as Interim Head of Government Relations at the University of Delaware, sits on the boards of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and UD's Department of Political Science, and teaches Lobbying and Influence at University of Delaware's Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy.
Outside of work, Rhett enjoys time at the Delaware beaches, walking his pups Ted and Dixie - or chauffeuring his wife and daughters on a shopping run.