Rhett Ruggerio
Ruggerio, Willson & Watson
rhett@ruggerio.com
(302) 345-8468
109 E Division St, Dover, DE, 19901,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links: Website, LinkedIn
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.
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.
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) HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE C/O MULTISTATE ASSOCIATION LLC
47) HEMP BEVERAGE ALLIANCE
48) HI-CONE
49) HOME BUILDER ASSN. OF DELAWARE
50) IBOTTA INC.
51) IMPACT LIFE INC.
52) 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.
58) MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY
59) NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS (NAPEO)
60) NEW CASTLE COUNTY
61) OBVIO AI
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
20+ years
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 CommitteeLed 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.
Last Updated: July 14, 2026
