Novelle Francis Chosen as New Senate President, Gittens as Majority Leader; Frett-Gregory to Chair Finance, Capehart to Chair Rules

Democrats elected during the 2022 General Election and set to hold a majority in the 35th Legislature have decided on leadership in the upcoming Senate, with seasoned lawmakers along with a former senator being given important positions.

Senator Novelle Francis, who was Senate president in the 33rd Legislature, was chosen as Senate president for the 35th Legislature, Mr. Francis has confirmed to the Consortium. Senator Marvin Blyden has been chosen for vice president, while Carla Joseph was selected secretary, and Senator Kenneth Gittens majority leader.

Chairpersons for the two major committees — the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Rules and Judiciary — have also been chosen. Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, the current Senate president, was chosen as chair of the Committee on Finance, while Senator-elect Diane Capehart — who was voted out in 2014 after a one-term stint — was chosen as chair of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary.

Senator-elect Marise James will chair the Committee on Education.

The leadership of the 35th Legislature is expected to issue a press release with the full list of committee assignments following the Jan. 9th swearing-in ceremony.

During an interview on Sunday, Mr. Francis spoke about his vision for the upcoming Senate with a keen focus on pressing issues facing the territory.