14 Out of 15 Virgin Islands Senators Have One Thing in Common

Have you ever thought about running for senator, lieutenant governor, or even governor in the Virgin Islands? If you work for the government, did you know that as of 2025, the law requires you to take a leave of absence just to run for office?

This restriction only applies to government employees and judges. Sitting senators, the lieutenant governor, and the governor can campaign and still collect a paycheck.

WTJX recently posted about a proposal by Senator James and Governor Bryan to change that rule. It's worth paying attention to.

If a sitting senator isn’t considered too distracted to do their job while campaigning, should we assume a mid-level government employee would be? Over the years, past lawmakers have established a system that gives incumbents a clear advantage. Government workers who want to run often have to choose between staying employed or pursuing public office, unless they can afford to take unpaid leave.

Should any qualified employee be allowed to campaign on their own time as long as no government resources or work hours are used? Would you support that change? And if so, how would you enforce it fairly?

The legislature is generally comprised of pretty passionate people who want to make the community better, but we have to ask, "who's being left out altogether?" If 12 out of 15 senators are returning senators, 10 are retirees, and 14 came from public-sector careers, who’s speaking for small businesses, nonprofits, and the broader workforce? Changing the rules won’t just help government workers. It could help level the playing field for everyone.

Career Backgrounds of 36th Legislature Senators

• Marvin Blyden – Over 20 years at the VI Housing Authority, food and beverage manager, and small business owner.
• Angel Bolques Jr. – Legislative researcher, elections staff, teacher, and nonprofit consultant.
• Dwayne DeGraff – 26-year police officer.
• Ray Fonseca – 19 years at the VI Housing Authority.
• Novelle Francis – Former police officer and Police Commissioner.
• Hubert Frederick – Banker, insurance agent, and small business owner (only one without a long time government background).
• Kenneth Gittens – Longtime police officer.
• Alma Heyliger – 22 years in the Legislature’s central staff and radio host.
• Marise James – Attorney (private practice 16 years), Senior policy advisor, National Guard Attorney, emergency management, and education.
• Franklin Johnson – Corrections officer and prison warden.
• Carla Joseph – Over a decade working in the Legislature.
• Clifford Joseph – Career firefighter.
• Avery Lewis – Elementary teacher and St. Thomas/St. John administrator.
• Milton Potter – Worked at the Port Authority and as Director of Personnel.
• Kurt Vialet – Teacher, assistant principal, and principal.