President Joe Biden secured a decisive victory in the U.S. Virgin Islands Democratic Caucus, held last Saturday, outpacing challenger Marianne Williamson with an astonishing 99.006% of the vote. Williamson received a mere 0.004%, according to the final tally released by the U.S. Virgin Islands Democratic Party.
This year's caucus not only determined the presidential nominee but also selected delegates for the Democratic National Convention scheduled in Chicago, Illinois. Stedmann Hodge, Jr., State Chair of the U.S. Virgin Islands Democratic Party, emphasized the significance of the caucus in representing the Virgin Islands at a national level.
Under the unique caucus system employed by the USVI, voters chose six delegates—three male and three female—by preference. The male delegates from St. Croix include Robert Rios and John Gumbs, while Yvette Edwards represents the female delegate. Carolynn Burke serves as the alternate after Cecil Benjamin, who finished third in the vote count.
The delegates from the St. Thomas/St. John district were also selected during the caucus. Kyza Callwood and Kevin Rodriquez will serve as male delegates. Delekah Callwood and Barbara Petersen were chosen as female delegates, with Riise Richards as an alternate.
These elected delegates will join the territory’s automatic delegates—comprising the Governor, Delegate to Congress, National Committeeman, National Committeewoman, State Chair, and Vice Chair—in representing the USVI at the Democratic National Convention.
A total of 13 delegates from the USVI will participate in the DNC Roll Call, contributing to the nomination of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for a second term. The caucus underscores the USVI’s crucial role in the national election process, where the small delegation can make a significant impact.
The USVI Democratic Party successfully met the required threshold with 467 votes cast for Biden, solidifying his support within the territory.
