MILTON, Del. - After missing every day of the legislative session so far, Rep. Stell Parker Selby has resigned effective immediately. In her statement, Parker Selby referenced the growing attention to her absence. The announcement comes after significant coverage from CoastTV.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, Selby wrote that her decision comes from “deep reflection and many heartfelt conversations” with her family and medical providers.
“In December, I suffered a serious medical emergency that profoundly changed the rhythm of my life,” Selby wrote. “While I am proud of the strides I’ve made, I must acknowledge – with honesty and humility – that I can no longer serve this district with the full energy, presence, and focus it rightfully deserves.”
It was first confirmed by CoastTV June 6 that Parker Selby suffered a major stroke over the winter. 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 this year. The representative would go on to miss five months of the legislative session.
Parker Selby was first elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 2022 and re-elected for a second term. During her tenure, she served on the transportation and veteran affairs committees and became known for her focus on underserved communities.
“I’ve done my best to reflect [this community’s] strength and spirit in everything I do,” she wrote. “I am stepping down not because of noise or pressure, but because I care too deeply about this community to offer anything less than my full capacity.”
She expressed particular thanks to Minor-Brown and Minority Leader Tim Dukes for their support during her recovery, as well as to her constituents.
“I gave everything I had to this role,” she said. “But I also know when it’s time to let go – and to trust that the seeds planted over a lifetime of service will continue to grow.”
In a statement, Minor-Brown refers kindly to Parker Selby's time as a representative.
“I hope that in this next chapter, people can take a step back and remember her full story with the grace and humility we would all want to be afforded," Minor-Brown said.
Previously, Minor-Brown was asked by CoastTV on several occasions at Legislative Hall about Parker Selby's ability to vote and what actions would be taken in her absence. House Minority Leader Dukes even called for Parker Selby's resignation following a lack of action from House Speaker Minor-Brown. It was not until June 12, Minor-Brown told CoastTV, that virtual voting was being considered.
Constituents turned to CoastTV with concerns over how the absence of Parker Selby was affecting their need for help.
The tides turned when fellow Democrat representative Madinah Wilson-Anton made allegations in an exclusive interview with CoastTV about how her party handled Parker Selby's absence. Wilson-Anton says after Parker Selby's absence was questioned publicly in March, lawmakers discussed strategies to cover up Parker Selby’s status. Wilson-Anton also claimed that the House Speaker's plans for virtual voting were a "bold faced lie."
On June 18, Sussex County Republican Party Chair Daniel Willis said during a walk through Legislative Hall he overheard several Democratic staffers criticizing Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton.
What comes next
According to a release from House Democrats, the next step is for the seat to be filled via special election. The Speaker of the House, Melissa Minor-Brown, can issue a writ of election within 10 days. The writ would set the date for the special election, which must take place between 30-35 days from when the writ is issued.
