Ron de Lugo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ron de Lugo
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| Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from the U.S. Virgin Islands' at-large district |
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| In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Melvin H. Evans |
| Succeeded by | Victor O. Frazer |
| In office January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1979 |
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| Preceded by | constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Melvin H. Evans |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 2, 1930 Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | July 14, 2020 (aged 89) Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Maria Morales Viera Sheila Paiewonsky |
| Residence | Saint Croix, V.I. |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1948–1950 |
| Unit | Armed Forces Radio |
Ron de Lugo (born August 2, 1930 – died July 14, 2020) was an important American politician. He made history as the very first person to represent the United States Virgin Islands in the United States House of Representatives. This role is called a Delegate.
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Who Was Ron de Lugo?
Ron de Lugo was a member of the Democratic Party. He served as a Delegate for two different periods. His first term was from January 3, 1973, to January 3, 1979. After a break, he returned to serve again from January 3, 1981, until January 3, 1995.
What is a Delegate?
A Delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives is a special kind of representative. They speak for a U.S. territory, like the Virgin Islands. Delegates can join debates and work on committees. However, they cannot vote on the final passage of laws on the House floor. Ron de Lugo was the first person to hold this important position for the Virgin Islands.
Early Life and Career
Ron de Lugo was born in Englewood, New Jersey. He also served in the United States Army from 1948 to 1950. During his time in the military, he worked with the Armed Forces Radio. This experience likely helped him develop his communication skills.
Representing the Virgin Islands
Before becoming a Delegate, Ron de Lugo was active in Virgin Islands politics. He served as a Senator in the Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands. This experience prepared him to represent the islands on a national level. His work helped bring the concerns of the Virgin Islands to the U.S. Congress.
Later Years
After his first term as Delegate, Ron de Lugo decided to run for Governor of the United States Virgin Islands in 1978. He ran against the current governor, Juan Francisco Luis. However, he did not win that election.
Despite this, he returned to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Delegate. He continued to serve the people of the Virgin Islands for many more years. Ron de Lugo passed away on July 14, 2020, in Florida. He was 89 years old. His work helped shape the relationship between the Virgin Islands and the U.S. government.
