Tortola-born Milton E. Potter is set to become the next Lieutenant Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands after winning the election alongside Governor-elect Stacey E. Plaskett, adding a notable Virgin Islands connection to the incoming administration. Photo: Internet Source

Milton E. Potter was Governor-elect Stacey E. Plaskett's running mate in the 2026 mid-term elections. Photo: Internet Source

The Democratic ticket received 11,865 votes, or 62.8 per cent of votes cast in the gubernatorial contest, according to unofficial returns from the November 3 general election. The result remains subject to the territory’s official canvass and certification process. Photo: Internet source

Potter, Plaskett’s running mate, was born on Tortola in the Virgin Islands and raised on St Thomas, where he attended public schools. 

His election makes him part of a historic ticket, with Plaskett as the first woman elected governor of the US Virgin Islands.

The Democratic ticket received 11,865 votes, or 62.8 per cent of votes cast in the gubernatorial contest, according to unofficial returns from the November 3 general election. The result remains subject to the territory’s official canvass and certification process.

Education

Mr Potter grew up with seven siblings on St Thomas. His parents, Margaret and Cecil, emphasised education, family and reputation; his father worked as a firefighter with the Virgin Islands Port Authority, while his mother was a salesclerk.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and School Psychology from Florida A&M University, then began his career as a school psychologist and counsellor. After returning to the territory, he worked with young people through the University of the Virgin Islands’ Upward Bound programme before moving into senior human-resources roles, including Director of Personnel for the Government of the US Virgin Islands.

Political rise

Mr Potter was first elected to the Legislature of the US Virgin Islands in 2020 and later became President of the 36th Legislature in January 2025. He now moves from leading the territorial legislature to serving in the executive branch as Lieutenant Governor.

His victory carries particular resonance across the Virgin Islands archipelago, where family ties, migration and cultural links have long connected the British and US territories. Mr Potter’s path from Tortola to senior elected office in the neighbouring US territory underscores those enduring connections.

The incoming Plaskett-Potter administration is expected to focus on issues such as public finances, healthcare, housing, education and the territory’s electricity and water services.