An aging Democrat state representative has officially resigned after being fiercely criticized for taking a long absence from the Delaware House due to health concerns, which led both parties — lawmakers and constituents alike —to raise eyebrows and ask questions about the suspicious nature of her lengthy break from public office.
For context, on June 24, 2025, State Rep. Stell Parker Selby (D-Milton) of Delaware announced that she was retiring after reportedly missing the entirety of Delaware’s 2025 Legislative Session. The state representative’s absence led the GOP to call for answers, and Parker Selby’s own party was concerned as well, with at least one fellow state representative accusing Delaware Democrats of a cover-up.
Prior to Parker Selby’s resignation, the Sussex County, Delaware, Republican Party sent a letter on March 17, 2025, demanding answers about her absence from the House, writing, “If she is unable to fill the responsibilities of her office in the near future, then a discussion must be had on how to ensure that the people of her district are properly represented moving forward.”
Furthermore, according to press accounts, Delaware House Speaker Melissa Minor Brown said that she received Parker Selby’s resignation letter on June 24, and later stated that the representative had “taken time over the last few months to recover and reflect on her health and her electoral future.” Speaker Minor Brown added, “And true to who she is, Stell has once again chosen the path she believes is best for the people she serves.”
Importantly, Rep. Parker Selby was fiercely criticized by fellow Democrats for her long absence, which reportedly occurred in the wake of a stroke. State Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton (D-Bear) accused her own party of a cover-up of the severity of Rep. Parker Selby’s health issues, telling Spotlight Delaware, “As a Democrat, I think it’s important for us to come out and speak the truth, regardless of if it hurts our party or not.”
Continuing, State Rep. Wilson-Anton said that Rep. Parker Selby’s long absence contributed to a negative image of the Democratic Party, saying, “What really hurts our party is when people associate the Democratic Party with a lack of transparency and lack of accountability.”
In a statement responding to Rep. Parker Selby, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer expressed his gratitude for the representative’s service, saying, “Stell Parker Selby has been a public servant her entire life.” He continued, “A proud Delawarean with deep roots in Sussex County, and a former teacher like myself, Stell brought compassion, wisdom, and integrity to the classroom, Milton Town Council, and finally to the State House of Representatives.”
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Concluding his statement, Gov. Meyer said that the aging representative “reminds us all what true public service means through her passionate advocacy for civil rights, education, healthcare, and the well-being of Delaware families.” He added, “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.”
Featured image credit: Friends for Stell Parker Selby