Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris.
Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris has endorsed Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett for governor and Senate President Milton E. Potter for lieutenant governor, backing the Democratic ticket days before early voting ends and the territory holds its August 1 primary election.
“Stacey Plaskett is a proven leader who has fought tirelessly for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Harris. “I have seen Stacey’s leadership, and her ability to bring people together to deliver meaningful results. Milton Potter’s experience in local government and his legislative knowledge would be a strength to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together, Stacey and Milton have the experience, vision, and commitment to move the U.S. Virgin Islands forward, and I am proud to endorse them.”
The Plaskett-Potter campaign said the endorsement reflects a shared focus on the security, economic strength and resilience of the Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean.
As vice president, Harris made engagement with Caribbean leaders part of her agenda. During the 2022 Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, she launched the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030, an initiative focused on energy security, climate resilience and access to development financing across the region.
Harris also convened Caribbean heads of government for discussions on regional security, illegal firearm trafficking, economic development, clean energy and stronger relations between the United States and its Caribbean neighbors.
According to the campaign, Plaskett worked with Harris and other senior federal officials to ensure that the Virgin Islands and wider Caribbean were represented in those discussions. Plaskett has advocated for stronger measures against gun trafficking, expanded regional security partnerships, resilient infrastructure, energy reform and recognition of the Caribbean’s strategic importance to the United States.
“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris,” said Plaskett. “The Vice President understands that the Caribbean is not an afterthought. Our region is central to the security, economic strength, and future of the Western Hemisphere.”
“I have valued the opportunity to work with her to elevate the priorities of the Virgin Islands and our Caribbean neighbors, particularly on regional security, illegal firearms, climate resilience, and energy. Vice President Harris’ endorsement affirms the experienced and effective leadership Milton and I are prepared to bring to the Government of the Virgin Islands.”
Plaskett said the territory’s next governor must be able to lead effectively within the Virgin Islands, work productively in Washington and establish partnerships throughout the Caribbean.
“Our location gives the Virgin Islands tremendous strategic and economic potential,” Plaskett said. “Milton and I will use every relationship, every resource, and every opportunity available to produce progress our people can see and feel.”
Potter said the endorsement recognizes Plaskett’s record and the Plaskett-Potter team’s readiness to govern.
“Vice President Harris knows Stacey’s work and has witnessed her leadership firsthand,” he said. “Together, Stacey and I will ensure that the relationships and resources available to the Virgin Islands produce results here at home.”
Plaskett has represented the U.S. Virgin Islands in Congress since 2015. The campaign said she has helped secure unprecedented federal resources for the territory’s disaster recovery, healthcare system, schools, energy infrastructure, housing and economic development.
Plaskett and Potter are campaigning on plans to accelerate the territory’s recovery, strengthen public safety, improve government performance and turn available resources into measurable improvements for Virgin Islanders.
Early voting continues through July 29. The Democratic primary election is scheduled for August 1.
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