ST. CROIX — Radio personality and media figure Sheldon Turnbull picked up papers Tuesday as a Democrat to enter the gubernatorial race in the St. Thomas/St. John District, as aspirants continued to secure nomination petitions across both districts.
Turnbull, managing partner and co-owner of Da Vybe Radio 107.9 FM, is known for his influence on local music culture, entertainment, and community engagement. His entry brings the number of Democratic gubernatorial aspirants to five.
Also in the St. Thomas/St. John District, Senator Alma Francis Heyliger, a three-term senator, picked up papers Monday as an independent to seek reelection to the Senate. Democrat Peter Bailey, founder of NiteCap Media and co-founder of Yellow Cedar Media Group, also picked up a senatorial petition Monday. Independent Gary Raymond George picked up papers Monday to run for delegate to Congress.
On St. Croix, former two-term Senator Diane Capehart picked up a senatorial petition last Wednesday as a Democrat. Capehart, who served in the 30th and 35th Legislatures, finished eighth in the 2024 general election, missing a Senate seat by 91 votes. Independent Troy Williams, who ran in Democratic primaries in 2020 and 2022, picked up a senatorial petition Monday. Independent Troy Mason picked up papers Wednesday to run for Senate. He previously ran for Senate eight consecutive times from 2004 to 2018. Democrat Jaylen Gabriel and independent Luz C.A. Browne both picked up petitions last week to run for delegate to Congress. Browne also picked up a petition for Senate. Independent Vincent H.A. Gordon Jr. picked up papers last Thursday for the Board of Education. Gordon, principal of Alfredo Andrews Elementary School, has reportedly tendered his resignation effective at the end of the month.
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Picking up nomination papers does not obligate a candidate to formally file. Candidates may file between May 12 and 19.
