Rhett Ruggerio

Rhett Ruggerio

( Delaware,  )

Ruggerio, Willson & Watson

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  Client List  Number of Years as a Lobbyist  Relationships  Biography 
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) ANTHROPIC PBC

8) APPLE INC.

9) ARMORY FILMS

10) ARTESIAN RESOURCES AND ITS AFFLILIATES

11) ASSOCIATION FOR ACCESSIBLE MEDICINES

12) BRAVEN

13) BUSPATROL AMERICA LLC

14) CABLE TV ASSOCIATION OF MD & DE

15) CARFAX INC.

16) CHEMICAL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF DELAWARE INC.

17) CHRISTIANA CARE CORPORATION

18) COMCAST CORP. AND ITS AFFILIATES

19) COMMUNITY EDUCATION BUILDING

20) COMPASS PATHWAYS INC.

21) CONDUENT INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES

22) CORRECTIONAL OFFICER'S ASSN. OF DELAWARE

23) CRODA INC.

24) DAILY PAY

25) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

26) DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

27) DELAWARE BREWERS GUILD

28) DELAWARE CHARTER SCHOOL NETWORK

29) DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY

30) DELAWARE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ASSOCIATION

31) DELAWARE HOTEL LODGING ASSN.

32) DELAWARE PARK MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES

33) DELAWARE POLICE CHIEFS COUNCIL INC

34) DELAWARE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

35) DIAMOND MATERIALS LLC

36) DOGFISH CRAFT BREWERY LLC

37) ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE ASSOCIATION

38) EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY ACTION FUND

39) FAITHFUL FRIENDS

40) FMC CORPORATION

41) HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE C/O MULTISTATE ASSOCIATION LLC

42) HI-CONE

43) HOME BUILDER ASSN. OF DELAWARE

44) IBOTTA INC.

45) IMPACT LIFE INC.

46) INDEPENDENT PAYROLL PROVIDER ASSOCIATION

47) INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY MARKETS ASSOC.

48) KENT SUSSEX LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE

49) KOOTH USA LLC

50) MODAXO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USA INC.

51) MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY

52) NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATIONS (NAPEO)

53) NEW CASTLE COUNTY

54) OBVIO AI

55) ORSTED

56) PET ADVOCACY NETWORK

57) REHOBOTH-DEWEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

58) RHETT RUGGERIO GOVERNMENT RELATIONS LLC

59) RICHARDS LAYTON & FINGER P.A.

60) RUGGERIO WILLSON & ASSOCIATES LLC.

61) SOLVAY AMERICA INC.

62) STONINGTON GLOBAL

63) STUBHUB

64) THE CHEMOURS COMPANY

65) TOTAL WINE & MORE

66) TUNNELL COMPANIES L. P.

67) UNITE USA INC. DBA UNITE US

68) UNITED HEALTH SERVICES

69) UNITED MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF DELAWARE

70) UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE - OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

71) VITALCORE HEALTH SYSTEMS

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

73) WILLIE'S REMEDY+

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: October 06, 2026