BREAKING: 20th District Rep. Stell Parker Selby Resigns from Delaware State House
Image courtesy Delaware.gov
With just a week left in the current General Assembly session, 20th District Representative Stell Parker Selby has resigned from the Delaware State House – effective immediately. Parker Selby was re-elected to represent the 20th District last November, but suffered a medical emergency in December. She has not been present at Legislative Hall for any committee or floor sessions and has not voted on any legislation. Parker Selby was sworn into office in late March from home. She sent a letter to House leadership Tuesday:
House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown issued the following statement on Tuesday regarding Rep. Stell Parker Selby:
“Earlier today, I received Rep. Stell Parker Selby’s resignation letter.
“As many are aware, Stell suffered a serious medical event and has taken time over the last few months to recover and reflect on her health and her electoral future. And true to who she is, Stell has once again chosen the path she believes is best for the people she serves.
“I know I’m not alone in saying that I have deep respect for Stell Parker Selby, not just as a legislator, but as a person. She has spent the past five decades actively serving her community and I know firsthand that this was not an easy decision for her and her family to come to.
“I hope that in this next chapter, people can take a step back and remember her full story with the grace and humility we would all want to be afforded. Because her story is that of a true trailblazer whose grit, tenacity, and endless kindness got her to where she is today. Stell came up through the segregated school system of Sussex County and went on to become a beloved educator, respected administrator, councilwoman, vice mayor, and ultimately, the first Black person ever elected from Sussex County to the Delaware General Assembly.
“There aren’t many people around who have lived in the Lewes and Milton community without Stell’s presence. Her deep, personal connection to her home was cultivated through her lifelong commitment to helping those around her. That’s what made her such an effective advocate and trusted voice for the people of the 20th District. She’s touched so many lives over the years, and I know the thousands of people she’s served in her time feel as proud of her as we do.
“On behalf of the House, I want to thank Stell Parker Selby for her decades of service, and wish her and her family strength, healing, and peace in the days ahead. We will all miss her voice and calm presence in our chamber.”
Regarding Rep. Parker Selby’s resignation, a special election for the seat will be governed by Title 15, Chapter 71 of the Delaware Code. Under that code, the Speaker would issue a writ of election within 10 days of the vacancy occurring. The writ would set the date for the special election, which must take place between 30-35 days from when the writ is issued. In short, this means that a writ can be issued anytime from the day the vacancy occurs until 10 days later, which would set a special election 30-35 days after the writ is issued.
“Stell served her district with dedication throughout her first term. While we all thought she would continue her service in the current General Assembly, fate altered those expectations. I believe she handled a difficult and uncertain situation as best as anyone could. By choosing to step down, she can focus fully on her recovery without the added responsibilities of office, while giving the people of the 20th District an opportunity to select a candidate who will be able to fully represent their interests. I hope Stell continues to improve and, in time, can fully recover.”
Additional reaction to the resignation of 20th District Rep. Stell Parker Selby
State House Minority Leader Tim Dukes – “These were challenging circumstances for everyone involved. Stell faced a serious health issue that suddenly imposed significant limitations on her. I recognize that her decision to resign was not an easy one. I commend her for her honesty in assessing her situation and for prioritizing the needs of her constituents above her desire to continue in public service. I believe she made the right choice and one that aligns with her legacy as a dedicated community leader.”
State House Minority Whip Jeff Spiegelman – “Stell served her district with dedication throughout her first term. While we all thought she would continue her service in the current General Assembly, fate altered those expectations. I believe she handled a difficult and uncertain situation as best as anyone could. By choosing to step down, she can focus fully on her recovery without the added responsibilities of office, while giving the people of the 20th District an opportunity to select a candidate who will be able to fully represent their interests. I hope Stell continues to improve and, in time, can fully recover.”
Governor Matt Meyer released the following statement regarding the resignation of Representative Stell Parker Selby:
“Stell Parker-Selby has been a public servant her entire life. A proud Delawarean with deep roots in Sussex County, and a former teacher like myself, Stell brought compassion, wisdom, and integrity to the classroom, Milton Town Council, and finally to the State House of Representatives. Stell reminds us all what true public service means through her passionate advocacy for civil rights, education, healthcare, and the well-being of Delaware families.
We are grateful for her service and we extend our heartfelt thanks as she steps away to focus on her health and her loved ones. We wish Stell comfort and strength in this next chapter.”