ST. CROIX — Deputy Tourism Commissioner Shamari Haynes was among those who recently picked up nomination papers as the steady stream of aspirants continues ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Haynes, who currently serves as deputy commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and previously served as assistant director of the department’s Division of Festivals, picked up papers Thursday as a Democrat for the Board of Elections in the St. Croix District.
In the St. Thomas/St. John District, Democrat Augustina Francis picked up gubernatorial papers Thursday, adding to the growing field of candidates seeking the territory’s top office. Republican Herman Richards picked up papers Thursday for the Board of Elections, and independent Omari Garnette pulled papers Thursday for delegate to Congress.
Back on St. Croix, Senator Kenneth Gittens picked up a senatorial petition as a Democrat on Thursday. A retired police officer, Gittens is currently serving his sixth term in the Legislature. Democrat Lisa Charles, who ran for Senate in the 2024 general election, pulled a senatorial petition Tuesday. Democrat Dwight M.B. Cartier also picked up a senatorial petition Tuesday.
Senator Franklin Johnson, an independent, picked up papers Tuesday on St. Croix as well. Johnson, a three-term senator, is a retired corrections officer and retired District Court security officer. Independent Juliet Liburd picked up papers Wednesday for the Board of Elections.
Democrat Winona Hendricks also picked up papers Thursday on St. Croix for the Board of Education. A retired educator and administrator, Hendricks served as an assistant principal, principal, and deputy superintendent of schools. She was first elected to the Board of Education in 2008 and is a current board member.
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Picking up nomination papers does not obligate a candidate to formally file. The first day to circulate nomination papers was Sunday. Candidates may file between May 12 and 19.
