MILTON, Del. - New details are emerging about why House District 20’s representative Stell Parker Selby has not attended any legislative sessions in Dover this year. After months of speculation, multiple sources confirm to CoastTV that Parker Selby suffered a major stroke this winter.
The Democrat was re-elected for her second term but has not participated in any votes during the 2025 session. She was sworn in at home in March, nearly three months after the General Assembly convened, and a photo taken during that ceremony, showing her in a wheelchair, remains the only image released publicly regarding her condition.
A photo taken during that ceremony, showing her in a wheelchair, remains the only image released publicly regarding her condition.
A well-placed source tells CoastTV that Parker Selby is cognitive and recovering, but her prolonged absence has raised concerns among people in her district.
Governor responds in exclusive interview
Gov. Matt Meyer addressed Parker Selby’s absence in an exclusive interview with CoastTV Friday. He dismissed the potential of an upcoming special election: “No. There's no truth to those rumors.”
When Meyer was asked whether voters in District 20 are receiving adequate representation, Meyer said “it's up to them to decide what to do."
"There are elections, and elections have consequences," he said, "And if they feel strongly supporting or not supporting their current representative, I encourage them to mobilize, to put candidates forward and make sure that they get the right person in office."
Pressed on whether staff can provide sufficient representation, Meyer was clear. “I don't think it's the right answer to say the staff [is] taking care of it. Every Delawarean deserves to be represented in the State House in Dover. There are certainly things we are trying to do behind the scenes to make sure that every Delawarean has a representative in the Delaware State House.”
Meyer also confirmed he has not spoken with Parker Selby directly.
What’s next for District 20?
With a two-year term that runs through early 2027, the clock is ticking for House District 20. Unless Parker Selby returns, resigns or is removed by legislative leadership, there may be no one casting votes in Dover for the roughly 23,000 registered voters she represents in Milton, Lewes, Harbeson and Georgetown. This is Parker Selby's second term in the Delaware House of Representatives.
