POLISHED POLITICS: WHAT USVI CANDIDATES ARE WEARING ON THE ‘26 CAMPAIGN TRAIL (SO FAR)
This Women’s History Month is a historic one in the USVI. It’s brought a crowded field of candidates seeking the trust, and votes, of Virgin Islanders come Nov. 3. What’s unique about this year, though, is the record number of women candidates—six in total—vying for two of the Territory’s top political jobs: Governor and Delegate to Congress.
While here at DBOW we won’t be getting into any commentary about candidates’ political platforms and records, we are taking a look at the fashion choices these trailblazing women are donning this campaign season.
If I were to be honest, though, here in the V.I., we usually don’t get too deep into the weeds about what our political candidates wear; voters are generally more concerned about whether candidates can get the job done or not, and rightly so. Plus, unlike candidates on the mainland, I personally have not observed USVI political candidates using fashion to make broader political or social statements, other than the candidate’s own campaign slogan. But like it or not, a candidate’s clothing choices can shape public perception about that candidate and how well she can perform the job.
That said, we thought it would be worth diving into the closets of these six women candidates to get a sense of their fashion sense, and perhaps their leadership style, based on what they’ve been wearing this campaign season, so far. We’ve scoured campaign and publicly available personal pages on Facebook and pulled together some of the looks these leading ladies have been seen in as they crisscross the Territory attending meet-and-greets, fundraisers, cultural events, church services, social gatherings, campaign rallies, and more.
To be clear, not every look featured below may have been worn at a gathering dubbed a ‘campaign event,’ but when it’s campaign season in the USVI, every event a candidate attends is a campaign event, right?
Well, as they say…may the best (or best dressed?) woman win!
To register to vote in the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit the Election System of the Virgin Islands.
CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT
Running for USVI Governor 2026
Congresswoman Plaskett can be seen on the campaign trail donning sophisticated suits, bespoke cultural wear, as well as fun and feminine dresses. You’ll also catch her at outdoor events in shorts, sandals and a tee chatting it up with voters. Her style appears to be versatile and can effortlessly move from business to chic to casual, whatever the moment demands.
FORMER SENATOR DONNA FRETT-GREGORY
Running for USVI Governor 2026
The former St. Thomas senator favors a stylish, but casual look while on the stump. You’ll see her accessorize with sunglasses, a straw hat and a unique purse. She has also been seen wearing different variations of a flattering one-shoulder-style top at cultural events and her annual all-white women’s conference. But you’ll also see Ms. Frett-Gregory in polished business attire, depending on the occasion.
FORMER SENATOR JANELLE SARAUW
Running for USVI Delegate to Congress 2026
Former St. Thomas Senator Janelle Sarauw enjoys a comfortable and relaxed look while out campaigning, but never sacrificing style! Her short-sleeved, button-downs and linen trousers are great to keep cool while meeting with voters at indoor and outdoor events. You can’t miss her and her team of supporters in their turquoise campaign tees—a welcomed departure from the traditional white tee many candidates choose—that definitely sets Team Sarauw apart from the crowd.
TERI HELENESE
Running for USVI Delegate to Congress 2026
Mrs. Helenese’s outfits bring elegance, sophistication and power dressing into full view on the campaign trail. You’ll see her in elegant dresses and skirts, structured blazers, as well as light-weight mock turtlenecks paired with tailored pants suits. Mrs. Helenese also mixes things up by wearing her campaign t-shirt and jeans while canvassing and meeting voters.
RASHIDA FRANCIS
Running for USVI Delegate to Congress 2026
The St. Thomas educator and entrepreneur can be seen in bright and captivating colors paired with bold accessories while attending campaign events and connecting with voters. Her preference for colorful, monochromatic pants suits is perfect for campaigning in the USVI, offering a new take on the power suit, but with a very tropical twist!
FORMER UNITED STATES ATTORNEY DELIA SMITH
Running for USVI Delegate to Congress 2026
At the time of publication, no publicly available photos of Attorney Smith could be found on social media. From what we can see, though, based on the official campaign photo found on her website, her style exudes polished professionalism, exactly the kind of look that bodes well for any candidate.
