The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation honors the life of Pete du Pont. The former Republican governor of Delaware transformed state government during his time in office. As noted in the Delaware News Journal, he became governor when the state was in crisis and quickly turned it around by limiting excess spending and dramatically cutting income taxes. He was also known for his efforts to desegregate schools and for encouraging major banks to relocate to Delaware through tax cuts and deregulation. Du Pont brought his free market ideals to The Bradley Foundation, where he served on the board from 2002 – 2007. He also served as chairman of the Hudson Institute from 1985 until 1987 and the National Review Institute from 1994 until 1997, along with a myriad other leadership and philanthropic commitments. Until May 2014, he wrote the monthly Outside the Box column for the Wall Street Journal.

“Government is not an end in itself; it is a means. Restoring integrity to government, restoring discipline to government and restraining government were part of a process of improving the means.”

- Governor Pete du Pont, Farewell Address, 1985