James Spadola
Council Member At-Large
James Spadola was first elected to Wilmington City Council on November 3, 2020, winning the At-Large seat reserved for the minority party by the largest margin in city history. He was re-elected in November 2024.
Spadola began his public service journey after 9/11, enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves as a freshman at the University of Delaware. He earned the Combat Action Badge for his year-long tour in Iraq.
Professionally, Spadola serves as the Executive Director of Read Aloud Delaware, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood illiteracy. His prior roles include serving as a police officer with the Newark Police Department, where he spearheaded several community outreach initiatives. His most notable project, the #HugACop video, went viral, earning Technically Delaware’s Best Social Media Venture award and inspiring similar efforts nationwide.
Outside of public service, Spadola is an active musician, performing as a guitarist with various singers around town. He holds a B.A. in Political Science with honors from the University of Delaware, an M.B.A. from Wilmington University, and is a graduate of Leadership Delaware.
Spadola is currently a board member of Literacy Delaware and has previously served as the President of the Delaware Avenue Community Association, board chair of the Wilmington Housing Authority, and an executive committee member of REACH Riverside.
His accolades include the Wilmington Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Wilmingtonian award and recognition as a “40 Under 40” honoree by Delaware Business Times.
Spadola and his wife, Leeanne, are proud parents of two young children and share their home with a large, big-headed dog.
Standing Committees of Council
Council Member Spadola is a member of the:
• Public Safety Committee (Vice Chair)
• Finance & Economic Development Committee
• Public Works & Transportation Committee