Democratic Party of the U.S. Virgin Islands sealDemocratic Partyof the U.S. Virgin Islands
Ray "PuPa" Fonseca, Democratic nominee

Senate Nominee

Ray "PuPa" Fonseca

St. Thomas – St. John (Incumbent)

Dedicated to community, committed to progress. Focused on the people of the Virgin Islands — a life of service, a stronger Virgin Islands.

← All 2026 nominees

Early Life & Education

Born in Savan Vesta Gade and raised in Bovoni, St. Thomas, Senator Ray "PuPa" Fonseca attended daycare in Pearson M. Gardens, Lockhart Elementary School, Addelita Cancryn Junior High School and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. He comes from a family of Virgin Islands public servants; his mother served as a Virgin Islands police officer before retiring. These local roots and family experience inform his lifelong connection to the community.

Higher Education

Senator Fonseca continued his education at Florida State University, where he earned dual majors in Accounting and Hotel Administration. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the Virgin Islands.

Professional Career

Virgin Islands Housing Authority · Assistant Accounting Supervisor → Chief Executive Officer

Senator Fonseca began his career in accounting supervision and advanced to the highest executive leadership position at the Virgin Islands Housing Authority. During his tenure, he managed more than $400 million in federal housing construction funds, overseeing major investments in the Virgin Islands' housing infrastructure. His work combined financial oversight with public housing administration and executive management.

Government of the Virgin Islands · Director of Mental Health, Alcoholism and Substance Abuse

He served in an executive-level government position focused on mental health, alcoholism and substance-abuse services, adding human-services administration to his public-sector leadership experience.

Legislative Service

Senator, Legislature of the Virgin Islands

As a Senator, Fonseca has continued his commitment to constituent services, community outreach and creating opportunities for all Virgin Islanders. His office has supported workplace participation and transportation arrangements for individuals with disabilities, along with initiatives that address the needs of residents across the territory.

Core Areas of Experience

  • Executive leadership
  • Public housing administration
  • Federal construction funding oversight
  • Accounting and financial management
  • Government administration
  • Mental health and substance-abuse services
  • Legislative and constituent relations
  • Community outreach and disability inclusion

Public Service Principles

Senator Fonseca believes in transparency, accountability, integrity and a commitment to serving the Virgin Islands community with compassion.

“My focus has always been on the people of the Virgin Islands. Service is not just what I do — it's who I am.”