Sen. Huxtable speaks amid growing calls for answers on Rep. Stell Parker Selby's absence

MILTON, Del. - As the legislative session winds down and District 20 Representative Stell Parker Selby has missed every single vote, there are growing calls for answers for the roughly 23,000 registered voters in her district.

On Monday, Milford area Representative Bryan Shupe revealed new details on what the House knew--and didn't know--about Parker Selby's whereabouts. Sources confirmed to CoastTV that Parker Selby suffered a major stroke this winter. 

Republicans speak out

"When news first broke that Rep. Stell Parker Selby had suffered a medical episode, members of the Delaware House showed respect and gave her family the privacy they deserved. Everyone hoped for a swift and full recovery," Shupe wrote on Facebook. "No official details have been shared about her health or her ability to serve six months later. The silence from her party and her family continues. With the first year of the 153rd session coming to a close, it’s time for answers."

Sen. Russ Huxtable: No contact with Stell

Neither Governor Matt Meyer nor Senator Russ Huxtable, who is Parker Selby's counterpart in the Senate, have spoken with the representative.

"I'm just leaving her for the peace," Huxtable told CoastTV Monday. "I didn't feel like it was necessary to add to that noise."

Huxtable reiterated past statements that Parker Selby's office was handling constituent matters during her absence, though notably staff members cannot vote on legislation. Huxtable told CoastTV his workload has not increased despite Parker Selby's absence in Dover.

"There are some [calls from constituents] that say, 'Hey, you know, where where's my representative and things of that nature' and I forward those to the House leadership," Huxtable said. "They are hopefully getting back to those folks to see what may be the case."

Neighbors on Round Pole Bridge road tell CoastTV their inquiries to Parker Selby's office were not returned. 

Huxtable, who lives in Parker Selby's district, declined to say whether he thought Parker Selby should resign or be removed from office. 

"Do I feel frustrated as a resident? I might feel a little frustration. But I also know that we should provide people grace in the healing process," Huxtable said. "We are part of a much broader community. We are more than just representatives and senators. We are part of a living, breathing, working community. And I think that I would provide grace for anybody in that situation."

Parker Selby has missed every one of the 91 house votes so far this session. 

Democrats respond, Parker Selby's office does not

CoastTV contacted Rep. Parker Selby's office multiple times Monday. None of our requests for comment were returned. House Democrats did respond, however, issuing the following statement:

We do not have any updates beyond what we've previously shared. Rep. Stell Parker Selby's office has remained open and has been diligently responding to constituent outreach and concerns throughout this period.  Out of respect for her privacy, we will not be commenting further on her personal health matters.