Stacey Plaskett

Stacey E. Plaskett is an American politician and attorney who has served as the U.S. Representative for the United States Virgin Islands' at-large congressional district since 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, Plaskett has built a career in law and public service, having previously worked in various legal capacities, including as a prosecutor and a political appointee in the U.S. Department of Justice. She is notable for her role as a House manager during the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, marking her as the first non-voting House member to take on such a responsibility. As of 2023, she is actively serving in Congress, with her current term set to conclude in January 2027.

Early life and career

Stacey E. Plaskett was born on May 13, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in the Bushwick housing projects, where her parents, both originally from Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, instilled in her a strong sense of community and cultural identity. Her father served as a police officer with the New York City Police Department, while her mother worked as a court clerk. Plaskett's family frequently traveled to the Virgin Islands during her childhood, allowing her to develop a deep appreciation for the island's traditions and culture. Their home in New York often served as a refuge for students and recent migrants from the Virgin Islands, further enriching her understanding of her heritage.

Plaskett's educational journey began at Brooklyn Friends School, a Quaker institution, and Grace Lutheran Elementary. She was later recruited by A Better Chance, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping minority students gain access to selective secondary schools. This led her to attend Choate Rosemary Hall as a boarding student, where she excelled as a varsity athlete and held the position of class president for several years. During her time at Choate, she spent a term studying abroad in France, an experience that contributed to her commitment to public service, inspired by the belief that those who are given much have a responsibility to give back.

After graduating from Choate, Plaskett enrolled at Georgetown University, where she earned a degree in history and diplomacy from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service in 1988. While at Georgetown, she was actively involved in student government and the Anti-Apartheid Movement, even representing universities in the Washington, D.C. area at the United Nations General Assembly. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Juris Doctor degree at the American University Washington College of Law, graduating in 1994. During law school, she balanced her studies with full-time work, first with the lobbying arm of the American Medical Association and later at the law firm Jones Day, where she focused on constitutional law under the guidance of future colleague Representative Jamie Raskin.

Plaskett began her legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Bronx, New York, where she prosecuted numerous cases, including those related to narcotics. She later transitioned to a consulting role, providing legal counsel on internal corporate investigations for the Mitchell Madison Group. Her career path then led her to Washington, D.C., where she served as counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, now known as the House Committee on Ethics. This role was followed by an appointment in the U.S. Department of Justice, where she worked under President George W. Bush as counsel for the Civil Division. In this capacity, she contributed to significant initiatives, including the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and litigation against major tobacco companies.

After her tenure at the Justice Department, Plaskett held a position as deputy general counsel at UnitedHealth Group, focusing on legal matters related to Medicaid and Medicare programs. She eventually returned to the Virgin Islands, where she practiced law privately and served as general counsel for the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority from 2007 to 2014. In late 2008, she switched her political affiliation from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party, believing it to be a more conducive environment for new ideas. In 2019, she became a member of the St. Croix Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

House tenure

Stacey Plaskett's political career in the U.S. House of Representatives began in 2015 when she won election to represent the at-large congressional district of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her initial foray into politics occurred in 2012 when she unsuccessfully challenged nine-term incumbent Donna Christian-Christensen in the Democratic primary, receiving a significant portion of the vote but ultimately falling short. Undeterred, Plaskett ran again in 2014 and successfully secured her position in the House.

Since taking office, Plaskett has been re-elected multiple times, marking her as a prominent figure in the Virgin Islands' political landscape. Her tenure has been characterized by her advocacy for the rights of U.S. territories, particularly regarding voting representation in Congress. She has been vocal about the challenges faced by non-voting members of Congress, including the delegates from the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, as well as Puerto Rico. In January 2025, she publicly protested these non-voting rights and criticized the colonial status of these territories.

In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Plaskett gained national attention for her role as a House manager during the impeachment trial of Donald Trump. This position highlighted her legal expertise and commitment to accountability in government. Her involvement in the trial marked a significant moment in her career, as she became the first non-voting House member to serve in such a capacity.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout her time in Congress, Stacey Plaskett has focused on a range of issues pertinent to her constituents in the U.S. Virgin Islands and broader national concerns. Her legislative priorities have included advocating for economic development, healthcare access, and the rights of U.S. territories. She has worked to promote policies that support the unique needs of the Virgin Islands, particularly in areas such as tourism, education, and infrastructure.

Plaskett has also been involved in various committees during her tenure, contributing her legal background and expertise to discussions and legislation related to ethics, justice, and public policy. Her experience as a prosecutor and legal counsel has informed her approach to legislative matters, allowing her to engage effectively in debates and advocate for her constituents' interests.

As of 2023, Plaskett has announced her candidacy for governor of the United States Virgin Islands, indicating her continued commitment to public service and leadership within her community. Her ongoing work in Congress and her aspirations for higher office reflect her dedication to addressing the challenges faced by the Virgin Islands and advocating for the rights and needs of its residents.