Rhett Ruggerio

( Delaware )

Subjects: All Subjects

Introduction

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.

Achievements

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.

Clients

1) ABILITY NETWORK OF DELAWARE

2) ALLIANCE OF AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS INC.

3) AMERICAN CHEMICAL COUNCIL

4) AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COS.

5) AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOC.

6) AMERIHEALTH CARITAS

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

13) BIG LEAGUE ADVANCE LLC

14) BRAVEN

15) BUSPATROL AMERICA LLC

16) CABLE TV ASSOCIATION OF MD & DE

17) CARFAX INC.

18) CFG HEALTH SYSTEMS LLC

19) CHANGE HEALTHCARE

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

31) DELAWARE BREWERS GUILD

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

40) DIAMOND MATERIALS LLC

41) DOGFISH CRAFT BREWERY LLC

42) ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE ASSOCIATION

43) EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY ACTION FUND

44) FAITHFUL FRIENDS

45) FMC CORPORATION

46) GAUDENZIA INC.

47) HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE C/O MULTISTATE ASSOCIATION LLC

48) HEMP BEVERAGE ALLIANCE

49) HI-CONE

50) HOME BUILDER ASSN. OF DELAWARE

51) IMPACT LIFE INC.

52) INDEPENDENT PAYROLL PROVIDER ASSOCIATION

53) INSEPARABLE ACTION INC.

54) INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY MARKETS ASSOC.

55) KENT SUSSEX LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE

56) KOOTH USA LLC

57) METRC

58) MODAXO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USA INC.

59) MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY

60) NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS (NAPEO)

61) NEW CASTLE COUNTY

62) ONLINE LENDERS ALLIANCE

63) OPHELIA

64) ORSTED

65) PENNTEX VENTURES LLC

66) PET ADVOCACY NETWORK

67) REHOBOTH-DEWEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

68) RHETT RUGGERIO GOVERNMENT RELATIONS LLC

69) RICHARDS LAYTON & FINGER P.A.

70) RUGGERIO WILLSON & ASSOCIATES LLC.

71) SOLVAY AMERICA INC.

72) STONINGTON GLOBAL

73) STUBHUB

74) THE CHEMOURS COMPANY

75) TOTAL WINE & MORE

76) TUNNELL COMPANIES L. P.

77) UNITE USA INC. DBA UNITE US

78) UNITED HEALTH SERVICES

79) UNITED MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE

80) UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE - OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

81) VITALCORE HEALTH SYSTEMS

82) VSP VISION INC. C/O MUTLISTATE ASSOCIATES LLC

83) WATERFORD INSTITUTE

84) WILLIE'S REMEDY+

85) XEROX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES

86) ZSCALER

Number of Years as a Lobbyist

20+ years

Relationships

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.

Biography

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.

Last Updated: May 19, 2026