Nationwide — Stacey Plaskett has made history after winning the U.S. Virgin Islands gubernatorial election, becoming the territory’s first woman governor in 56 years. Her victory also makes her the first Black woman elected governor of a U.S. territory. Plaskett and her running mate, Milton Potter, won the November 3, 2026, election with 62.8% of the vote, according to The Grio. They will replace Governor Albert Bryan, who has served since 2019. Following the results, Bryan congratulated the incoming governor and lieutenant governor, along with the other election winners. He also thanked residents who voted and highlighted the responsibility that comes with public service.
The 60-year-old brings more than a decade of experience representing the territory in Congress. She has served as the U.S. Virgin Islands’ congressional delegate since 2015, working to secure federal support and bring attention to issues affecting the islands. In 2021, she gained national recognition after becoming the first delegate from a U.S. territory to serve as a House impeachment manager during former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial.
During her time in Congress, she also pushed for federal support for healthcare services, disaster recovery, and economic development in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her work included efforts to secure assistance for residents following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which caused widespread damage across the Caribbean in 2017. She also called for greater political representation and resources for Americans living in U.S. territories.
Her campaign focused on issues affecting everyday residents, including the rising cost of living, access to healthcare, public safety, and improvements to the territory’s infrastructure. She also highlighted the need to strengthen the islands’ water and electricity systems. In a July campaign statement, she said she wanted to bring her experience in Congress back home and continue working on issues that directly affect Virgin Islanders. She pointed to her efforts to improve healthcare access, secure disaster recovery assistance and make sure the territory received attention from federal lawmakers.
Her win also came alongside another major victory for Black women in politics. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won Georgia’s gubernatorial race, making her another Black woman elected governor on November 3. Plaskett and Potter are expected to begin their terms on January 4, 2027.