Stell Parker Selby resigns from House seat

Rep. Stell Parker Selby has resigned.

After missing every single day of this year’s session due to a medical incident in December, the Milton Democrat sent a resignation letter to House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown June 24. 

“After deep reflection and many heartfelt conversations with my family, doctors and loved ones, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to resign from the Delaware House of Representatives, effective immediately,” Parker Selby wrote in her resignation letter. 

Parker Selby said the medical emergency profoundly changed the rhythm of her life. 

“Since that moment, I have fought every single day toward recovery,” she wrote. “And while I’m 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.” 

Parker Selby is a Milton native who attended Milton Public School 196C, a segregated school that once stood on Route 16. She was a teacher and administrator for more than 30 years in the Cape Henlopen School District. Following her retirement, she was elected to a five-year term on the Cape Henlopen school board, and served as vice president and president. She later served as a councilwoman and vice mayor for the Town of Milton.

“True to who she is, Stell has once again chosen the path she believes is best for the people she serves,” said Minor-Brown in a statement. “I know I’m not alone in saying that I have deep respect for Stell Parker Selby, not just as a legislator, but as a person. She has spent the past five decades actively serving her community and I know firsthand that this was not an easy decision for her and her family to come to.”

Parker Selby was elected to her second term representing District 20 in November after narrowly defeating challenger Nikki Miller. She was first elected in 2022, defeating Republican Dallas Wingate for the seat previously held by Republican Rep. Steve Smyk. 

“I hope that in this next chapter, people can take a step back and remember [Stell’s] full story with the grace and humility we would all want to be afforded,” Minor-Brown said. “Because her story is that of a true trailblazer whose grit, tenacity and endless kindness got her to where she is today. Stell came up through the segregated school system of Sussex County and went on to become a beloved educator, respected administrator, councilwoman, vice mayor and ultimately, the first Black person ever elected from Sussex County to the Delaware General Assembly.”

A special election for the seat will be governed by Delaware Code. Under that code, the House speaker will issue a writ of election within 10 days of the vacancy. The writ sets the date for the special election, which must take place between 30 and 35 days from when the writ is issued. 

“There aren’t many people around who have lived in the Lewes and Milton community without Stell's presence,” said Minor-Brown. “Her deep, personal connection to her home was cultivated through her lifelong commitment to helping those around her. That’s what made her such an effective advocate and trusted voice for the people of the 20th District. She’s touched so many lives over the years, and I know the thousands of people she’s served in her time feel as proud of her as we do. On behalf of the House, I want to thank Stell Parker Selby for her decades of service, and wish her and her family strength, healing and peace in the days ahead. We will all miss her voice and calm presence in our chamber.”

In her letter, Parker Selby said public service was never about the spotlight, but rather about the work. 

“For decades, I showed up, spoke out and stood up for the values we share and the voices that too often go unheard,” she wrote. “This community has always been a part of me, and I’ve done my best to reflect its strength and sprit in everything I do. And while recent conversations have turned away from the substance of that work, I will not. 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.” 

Parker Selby thanked Minor-Brown and Minority Leader Tim Dukes for their support in allowing her to reach a decision in her own time. 

“These were challenging circumstances for everyone involved,” said Dukes, a Republican representing the 40th District in the Laurel area. “Stell faced a serious health issue that suddenly imposed significant limitations on her. I recognize that her decision to resign was not an easy one. I commend her for her honesty in assessing her situation and for prioritizing the needs of her constituents above her desire to continue in public service. I believe she made the right choice, and one that aligns with her legacy as a dedicated community leader.”

In a statement, Sue Nyden, chair of the 20th Representative District Democratic Committee said: “Stell Parker Selby is a Sussex County treasure. Growing up in segregated Sussex County, Stell was the first Black girl to attend Girls' State at Legislative Hall, where many years later she was the first Black woman to be sworn in as RD 20’s representative to the Delaware House of Representatives. Stell has won many awards over the years, but when asked to name her greatest accomplishment, Stell has always said the success of her students.”

Also in a statement, Gov. Matt Meyer said, “Stell Parker Selby has been a public servant her entire life. Stell reminds us all what true public service means through her passionate advocacy for civil rights, education, healthcare and the well-being of Delaware families. We are grateful for her service and we extend our heartfelt thanks as she steps away to focus on her health and her loved ones. We wish Stell comfort and strength in this next chapter."