If you’ve ever come across a question like, “Who is the president of the Virgin Islands?” — you’re not alone. It’s a surprisingly common search, especially among Americans who assume every region has a president or prime minister. But the truth is, the Virgin Islands — officially the U.S. Virgin Islands — are a U.S. territory, not an independent country.
That means their leadership structure looks very different from what people might expect. In 2025, the U.S. Virgin Islands have a Governor and a President of the Legislature, but no “President” in the national sense. Here’s a closer look at who’s in charge, what their roles are, and why this matters for anyone interested in U.S. territories and their connection to the mainland.
Understanding the U.S. Virgin Islands: A Quick Overview
The U.S. Virgin Islands (often called the USVI) are located in the Caribbean and include the islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. They’ve been a U.S. territory since 1917, and residents are U.S. citizens. However, the territory isn’t a state, and that changes how its government works.
Unlike states, territories like the Virgin Islands don’t have senators or representatives who can vote in Congress, and their residents can’t vote in U.S. presidential elections. Instead, the USVI has its own local government, with a governor and legislature that handle most internal affairs, while certain federal matters still fall under U.S. jurisdiction.
Who Actually Leads the Virgin Islands in 2025?
The Governor: Albert Bryan Jr.
The highest executive authority in the Virgin Islands is the Governor, not a president. As of 2025, that position is held by Albert Bryan Jr., who has been in office since 2019.
Governor Bryan oversees local policies, manages budgets, and represents the territory in dealings with the U.S. federal government. His administration focuses on issues such as economic development, disaster recovery, education, and infrastructure — many of the same priorities you’d see in any U.S. state government.
In 2025, Governor Bryan has been involved in initiatives to strengthen the territory’s economy, including tourism development and support for renewable energy projects. He’s also played a key role in disaster preparedness and recovery, which is crucial for a region regularly affected by hurricanes.
The Legislature and Its President: Milton E. Potter
The U.S. Virgin Islands have a single-chamber legislature made up of 15 senators, similar to a state senate. This body passes laws, oversees budgets, and represents the three major islands.
The President of the Legislature is the top legislative officer — comparable to a state senate president or the Speaker of the House. As of January 2025, that position is held by Milton E. Potter.
Potter leads the legislative sessions, sets agendas, and represents the Senate in official matters. His leadership helps shape laws on issues like local business regulations, education, environmental protection, and tourism management.
So when someone asks, “Who is the president of the Virgin Islands?” the technically correct answer in 2025 would be Milton E. Potter, since he’s President of the Legislature. But the overall leader of the territory is Governor Albert Bryan Jr.
Why This Matters to Americans
Understanding U.S. Territories
The U.S. Virgin Islands are one of five major U.S. territories, along with Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These territories are under U.S. sovereignty but have varying levels of self-governance.
For many Americans, it’s easy to forget that millions of U.S. citizens live in these regions — often without the same rights and representation as citizens in the 50 states. Learning about their leadership helps build awareness of how U.S. democracy extends (and sometimes falls short) beyond the mainland.
Economic and Cultural Connections
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a major tourism destination for Americans, with thousands visiting each year for cruises, beaches, and festivals. The territory’s government plays a huge role in maintaining safety, promoting sustainable tourism, and managing infrastructure that supports this vital industry.
The relationship between the Virgin Islands and the mainland also has economic importance. Policies shaped by Governor Bryan’s administration and the Legislature affect trade, employment, and environmental management — areas that tie directly into U.S. national interests.
Political Awareness
For Americans interested in politics, the Virgin Islands offer a fascinating example of how local governance functions under federal oversight. Residents elect their own leaders, but federal programs, disaster aid, and funding all depend on cooperation with Washington.
Recent Developments in 2025
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Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has continued his focus on rebuilding infrastructure and attracting investment in tourism and renewable energy.
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Senate President Milton E. Potter has emphasized legislative transparency, community engagement, and environmental protection in his new term.
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The territory has been in talks with federal agencies on improving emergency response systems and boosting economic opportunities for local workers.
These developments highlight how local leadership in the Virgin Islands affects not just the islands themselves, but also the broader U.S. relationship with its territories.
FAQs
Q: Does the Virgin Islands have a president?
A: No. The U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory, not a country, so they have a governor instead of a president.
Q: Who is the President of the Virgin Islands in 2025?
A: The “President of the Legislature” is Milton E. Potter, but the territory’s chief executive is Governor Albert Bryan Jr.
Q: Do people in the Virgin Islands vote for U.S. president?
A: No. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in the U.S. presidential general election.
Q: Who represents the Virgin Islands in Congress?
A: The territory sends a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, who can participate in debates but cannot cast final votes on the House floor.
Conclusion
So, who is the president of the Virgin Islands in 2025? Technically, there isn’t one. The U.S. Virgin Islands are led by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., who manages the territory’s executive affairs, and Milton E. Potter, who serves as President of the Legislature.
Understanding these roles helps paint a clearer picture of how U.S. territories function — and why they matter. Whether you’re visiting the islands, studying American government, or simply curious about how democracy works beyond the mainland, knowing who leads the Virgin Islands gives valuable insight into a unique part of the United States.