Stacey Plaskett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stacey Plaskett
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Official portrait, 2015
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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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| Assumed office January 3, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Donna Christian-Christensen |
| Personal details | |
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Stacey Elizabeth Plaskett
May 13, 1966 New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (2008–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Republican (until 2008) |
| Spouse | Jonathan Buckney Small |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Georgetown University (BSFS) American University (JD) |
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| Website | |
Stacey Elizabeth Plaskett (pronounced PLASS-kit; born May 13, 1966) is an American politician and lawyer. Since 2015, she has served as the delegate for the United States Virgin Islands in the United States House of Representatives. This means she represents the U.S. Virgin Islands in Congress.
Before 2008, Plaskett was a member of the Republican Party. She was even appointed by President George W. Bush to work in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. She later joined the Democratic Party in 2008. She felt it was a better place for new ideas. She also served as a House manager (like a prosecutor) during the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump. She was the first non-voting House member to do this.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in New York
Stacey Plaskett was born on May 13, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in the Bushwick housing projects. Her parents were both from Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Her father was a New York City Police Department officer. Her mother worked as a clerk in the court system.
Her family often traveled to St. Croix when she was a child. This helped her learn about the island's traditions and culture. Her parents' home in New York was often a place for students and new people moving from the Virgin Islands.
School Days and Public Service
Plaskett attended Brooklyn Friends School and Grace Lutheran Elementary. She was chosen by A Better Chance, Inc., a group that helps minority students go to good schools. She became a boarding student at Choate Rosemary Hall. There, she was a strong athlete and served as class president for several years.
During her time at Choate, Plaskett spent a term studying in France. She has said that Choate helped her realize her commitment to public service. She felt a deep sense of responsibility to help others.
College and Law School
In 1988, Plaskett graduated from Georgetown University. She earned a degree in history and diplomacy. While at Georgetown, she was very active in the Anti-Apartheid Movement. She even spoke at the General Assembly of the United Nations for universities in the Washington D.C. area.
She later earned her law degree (J.D.) from the American University Washington College of Law in 1994. She went to law school at night while working full-time. One of her law school teachers was her future colleague, Representative Jamie Raskin.
Career Journey
Starting as a Lawyer
After law school, Plaskett became an assistant district attorney in the Bronx, New York. She handled many cases. Later, she worked as a consultant, helping companies with legal advice.
She then moved to Washington, D.C. There, she worked as a lawyer for the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. This committee is now known as the House Committee on Ethics.
Working for the Justice Department
Plaskett was asked to work at the United States Department of Justice by Robert McCallum Jr.. She accepted the offer and served as a lawyer for the Civil Division of the Justice Department. She also worked on important projects. These included the Terrorism Litigation Task Force and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. She also worked on a big case against tobacco companies.
After leaving the Justice Department, Plaskett worked as a lawyer for UnitedHealth Group. She handled legal work related to Medicaid and Medicare programs.
Moving to the Virgin Islands
Later, Plaskett moved to the Virgin Islands. She worked as a private lawyer. From 2007 to 2014, she was the general counsel for the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority. This group works to help the U.S. territory's economy grow.
In late 2008, Plaskett changed her political party from Republican to Democratic.
U.S. House of Representatives
Running for Office
2012 Election
In 2012, Stacey Plaskett first ran for the delegate position. She challenged the long-serving delegate, Donna Christian-Christensen, in the Democratic Party primary. Plaskett did not win this election.
2014 Election
In 2014, Plaskett ran for the office again. She won the Democratic primary election. Then, she defeated the Republican candidate, Vince Danet, in the general election. She won with over 90% of the votes.
2016 Election
Plaskett ran for reelection in 2016. She won the Democratic primary against Ronald Russell. In the general election, she faced Gordon Ackley. She won by a large margin, getting almost 98% of the votes.
2018 Election
In 2018, Plaskett won reelection without any opponents in both the primary and general elections.
2020 Election
Plaskett won reelection again in 2020. She defeated independent candidate Shekema George.
Key Roles in Congress
Impeachment Manager Role
On January 12, 2021, Plaskett was chosen as a House impeachment manager. This meant she helped lead the case during the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump. This trial happened after the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. During the trial, she was praised by lead impeachment manager Jamie Raskin, who was her former law professor.
Weaponization Subcommittee
In February 2023, Plaskett was appointed as the top Democrat (Ranking Member) on the United States House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. She has spoken out about some decisions made by the Republican majority on this committee. She believes the subcommittee should not be used to settle political scores.
Committee Assignments
Plaskett serves on several important committees in the House of Representatives. These committees help make decisions on different topics.
- Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
- Committee on the Budget
- Committee on Ways and Means
She has also been part of other committees in the past, like the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Caucus Memberships
Plaskett is also a member of several caucuses. These are groups of lawmakers who share common interests or goals.
- New Democrat Coalition
- Congressional Black Caucus
- Climate Solutions Caucus
- Congressional Blockchain Caucus
Personal Life
Stacey Plaskett is married to Jonathan Buckney Small. He is a community activist and used to be a professional tennis player. She has five children. Plaskett has also served on many nonprofit boards. These groups focus on education, culture, and community development. She is a Lutheran.
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
