According to Saturday’s unofficial Democratic Primary results, former Sen. Kurt Vialet emerged as the highest vote-getter in the St. Croix Senate race with 1,233 votes, and newcomer Clifford Joseph close behind with 1,023 votes.
Senate President Novelle Francis followed with 939 votes; Sen. Kenneth Gittens with 929 votes; newcomer Hubert Frederick with 838 votes; and incumbent Sens. Diane Capehart with 820 votes and Marise James with 762 votes rounding out the slate. Former Sen. Nereida “Nellie” O’Reilly secured eighth place with 684 votes.
“I appreciate every single vote and wished the successful candidates much success,” O’Reilly said Saturday night. “This campaign wasn’t about us coming out on top. This campaign was about highlighting the pressing issues affecting the island of St. Croix. It is my hope that the candidates who emerged Saturday see some value in the ideas and the viable solutions we offered.”
In the St. Thomas-St. John district, Board of Education candidates Kyza Callwood and Nandi Sekou led the race with 311 and 290 votes, respectively. Callwood, the current chair, expressed his dedication to improving educational resources and supporting teacher development.
Lawrence Boschulte and Angeli Leerdam secured the top spots for the St. Thomas-St. John Board of Elections with 233 and 197 votes, respectively. On St. Croix, C. Jason JnBaptiste and Simone James took the top spots for the Board of Elections race with 434 and 361 votes, respectively.
Speaking from the Elections System offices on St. Thomas, Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes reported mixed activity across the islands as she began the day at Rotary West on St. Croix, noting lively activity at the polls due to the legislative and board of elections contests. In contrast, St. Thomas polling stations at the University of the Virgin Islands and Charlotte Amalie High School were notably quiet. By the time Fawkes reached St. John on the 6 p.m. ferry, the voter turnout remained slow.
“For a primary that’s not a gubernatorial year, we get about 22 percent turnout. We were hoping to get that,” she said, adding that the totals may inch up a bit by the time absentee ballots are counted. “There’s a lot of people who won’t just vote for the board seats unless they have family members running, so we saw that definitely playing out on St. Thomas-St. John.”
Fawkes emphasized the high costs associated with conducting elections, particularly when turnout is low. Early voting cost about $83,000, and the proposed budget was $250,000, she said, adding that in total, Elections received $450,000, but needs at least $350,000-400,000 to conduct a general election alone.
After the Results
Speaking after the unofficial results were announced, Vialet expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from St. Croix residents, highlighting the importance of the Senate’s role in providing checks and balances.
“I feel very good that I received overwhelming support from the people of St. Croix. I’m thankful for my family and campaign team who really went all out to make sure that I was able to win, and I’m asking for the same support in November,” he said. “The Senate is quite an important branch – it provides checks and balances, and I don’t see that with this particular Legislature – they have to be able to support, but also able to provide checks and balances.” He also pointed out the need to restore faith in politicians and the government to improve voter turnout.
In a statement released Saturday night, Gittens also referenced the need for the Legislature’s members to put their collective heads together.
“We are facing some serious challenges here in the territory,” he said. “We need good ideas and constructive efforts from all concerned citizens. I appreciate everyone willing to be involved in finding solutions.”
Meanwhile, James, currently the Legislature’s Education Committee chair, acknowledged the electorate’s choices and expressed her commitment to working diligently until November.
“I feel pretty good – for me as a senator and as a citizen in the VI in a democracy – I always feel that the people vote the way that they want to vote, and I’ve always accepted the choices people made. I definitely want to thank the people that came out to vote and we have to find a way to encourage more to come out.”
James emphasized her accomplishments during her first term in office, such as codifying the mobile integrated health care program and securing federal American Recovery Plan Act funds for Williams Delight residents to achieve homeownership.
“I lobbied the governor to give the $2.5 million in ARPA funds to residents of Williams Delight so they can achieve homeownership,” she said. “We’re working to get the first 20 people to close in the first 2-3 months. That’s going to be, for me as a real estate attorney, one of the greatest joys as a senator in the Virgin Islands.”
Newcomer Hubert Frederick stressed the importance of elderly care, economic development, and government accountability. “We’re elated, we’re excited that this stage of the game is over – it’s a tough thing to walk the streets around some of these neighborhoods every day – we really put in the leg work and it paid off,” he said.
Asked about his top priorities, Frederick said, “We have to treat the elderly with respect, protect them from fraud and abuse, and provide them with more resources. I want to improve the quality of life for Virgin Islanders and bring in bigger companies to help develop the economy.”
Callwood, the highest vote-getter for the Board of Education in the St. Thomas-St. John district, also shared his vision for the future.
“This victory is more than just a personal achievement – it is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing education in our community. The community’s confidence in my ability to serve is both humbling and inspiring,” he said. “I am excited to continue working toward our common goals, ensuring every student has access to quality education and opportunities for success. That includes improving educational resources, including technology, and supporting teacher development. Expanding counseling, extracurricular activities, and special education services will help us address the diverse needs of our students, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.”
Now, according to Fawkes, Saturday’s election results have to be certified within 15 days, with the aim of completing the process in 10 days. The Board of Elections is set to meet on Monday to handle absentee ballots and, hopefully soon after, certify the election. Absentee ballots total 101 on St. Croix, 22 on St. Thomas and none on St. John.
And, looking forward to the Nov. 6 General Election, she also highlighted the importance of improved voter turnout, with Senate, Delegate to Congress and Constitutional Convention candidates on the ballot.
“Voting is your right and your voice. We encourage people to participate. One vote makes a difference. But I think it all starts in our families, parenting, churches, political parties – everyone has a role to play to encourage people to take part in the voting process,” she said.
Early voting for the General is scheduled to start on Oct. 14-28, with polling stations open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
