Mapp Congratulates Sarauw On Special Election Win

Governor Kenneth Mapp in a press release issued late Saturday night congratulated Senator-elect Janelle Sarauw, who defeated her 13 competitors — including former Senator Justin Harrigan, Sr. — in Saturday’s special election.

The governor said Ms. Sarauw represents a new generation of Virgin Islands leaders and that he looked forward to working with her in the weeks and months ahead. Mr. called Ms. Sarauw on Saturday evening to offer his congratulations.

“I must applaud Senator-elect Sarauw and her team for their tenacity – they clearly stayed focused and put in the work,” Mr. Mapp said. He expressed best wishes to the other candidates and encouraged them to remain committed to public service. “We need your good ideas, energy and enthusiasm,” he said

The governor had set the stage for a showdown of candidates after calling a special election immediately after District Court Judge Curtis Gomez’s ruling on what had become a protracted battle between Ms. Sarauw and Kevin Rodriquez. Judge Gomez did not force the Legislature to act on the matter — stating it remains a coequal branch of government — and, while it did not explicitly asked Mr. Mapp to call a special election, the court concluded that the governor had the right — even duty — to do just that to remedy the tumultuous saga.

Ms. Sarauw joins the Legislature at a time when constituents are looking closely at the body’s actions — a heightened awareness encouraged by the territory’s current fiscal condition, with a structural deficit of over $100 million as of last month, that the government is struggling to offset.

The senator will also face a Legislature that has grown contentious over the recent sin tax debate, with Democrats aligning with Mr. Mapp in passing the measure, while the no party lawmakers — and Democrat Janette Millin Young — stood in opposition.

On her Facebook page, Ms. Sarauw lists her interests as public safety, economic diversification, education, health and athletics.