Janelle K. Sarauw is a U.S. Virgin Islander politician and former educator who served as senator in the Legislature of the Virgin Islands from the St. Thomas-St. John District, from 2017 to 2023. She became the first LGBTQ member and youngest woman to serve in the territoryâÂÂs legislature. Sarauw unsuccessfully ran for Lieutenant Governor in the general election. Sarauw is actively considering a run for Delegate to Congress in 2026.
Janelle K. Sarauw was born on St. Thomas to Levron Sarauw Sr. of Frederiksted, St. Croix and Carla Buchanan of Cayon, St. Kitts. The youngest of two children, Sarauw graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School in 2003. Sarauw attended Florida Atlantic University, where she earned a bachelorâÂÂs degree in political science. She also received her masterâÂÂs degree in Organizational leadership at Gonzaga University. She is a granddaughter of Ivan Buchanan, former Speaker of the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Sarauw taught U.S. history at Charlotte Amalie High School from 2007 to 2010. She joined the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation to be a Sports coordinator. Prior to becoming a senator, Sarauw was an Assistant chief researcher for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and worked as a part-time professor on political science at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Sarauw was sworn in as the 15th member of the 32nd Legislature on July 14, 2017.
Sarauw ran for the Senate ending up in 8th place. On December 9, 2016, Sarauw and campaign volunteer, Brigitte Berry filed a complaint in the Superior Court against Kevin RodrÃÂquez, St. Thomas & St. John Board of Elections, Virgin Islands Board of Elections and Supervisor of Elections Caroline F. Fawkes. They alleged that RodrÃÂquez was not qualified to serve in the legislature because he hadnâÂÂt been "a bona fide resident of the Virgin Islands for at least three years next preceding the date of his election."
Sarauw won a special election receiving 1,292 votes over former Senator Justin Harrigan Sr. who came in second place with 900 votes.
Sarauw won re-election with 5,339 votes.
Sarauw won re-election coming in second place with 4,827 votes.
In May 2022, Sarauw was chosen by fellow senator Kurt Vialet to be his running mate in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
Sarauw was crowned St. Thomas Carnival Queen in 2003.