DOVER – 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. 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.
