Roach and Francis campaign on six decades of public service as US Virgin Islands primary arrives

The primary is almost here for United States Virgin Islanders, and Tregenza Roach is hoping for votes. Roach is trying to move into the US Virgin Islands’ top office. Roach launched his Democratic gubernatorial campaign with Senator Novelle Francis Jr., who is the current senator of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. 

In May, the Roach-Francis campaign officially entered the race. Their campaign is centered around their experience, accountability, and public service–more than sixty years combined between the two. Roach has served as lieutenant governor under Governor Albert Bryan Jr. since 2019. He also previously represented the St. Thomas-St. John District in the US Virgin Islands Legislature. Francis also previously served as a commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department. 

Roach, speaking to their experience, has said, “When you assess this team, it won’t be just a matter of what we say we’re going to do, or what we think needs to happen.” He emphasizes their “collective record of public service.”

Their slogan is “Serving with Purpose.” This is a reflection of their argument that the territory needs experienced leaders who can turn existing projects into results for islanders. 

The campaign’s platform centers on seven priorities: government accountability and efficiency, an economy built for Virgin Islanders rather than outside investors, education that prepares children for careers at home, healthcare access, reliable power and infrastructure, public safety, and support for families and seniors. The platform’s framing reflects Roach and Francis’s argument that the territory’s challenges are not new and that what is needed is disciplined execution, not new promises. 

However, while many could see Roach’s position as the current lieutenant governor as proof he has the experience needed for the US Virgin Islands’ top office, it could also be viewed as a challenge. Opponents have tied Roach to issues hitting the Island, especially the Water and Power Authority (WAPA), with delayed disaster recovery, and deteriorating hospitals and schools. In one speech, Roach spoke, admitting that residents “suffer darkness too often.” During Democratic debates, Roach has responded that voters should evaluate his performance based on the agencies and initiatives directly managed by his office. 

Roach and Francis are to face Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett and Senate President Milton Potter, as well as former Senator Donna Frett-Gregory and Rodney Moorehead, in the August 1 Democratic primary. Whoever wins will advance to a November general election for the open seat. 

Roach’s campaign depends on convincing voters that his experience represents steady leadership for the Island.