James O'Bryan, Jr.

James A. "Jimmy" O'Bryan Jr. (born June 7, 1956, in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands) is a United States Virgin Islander politician, spokesman and former press secretary. He was previously the administrator of the island of Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

O'Bryan was a Democratic Party candidate for governor of the United States Virgin Islands in the 2010 gubernatorial election. His running mate for lieutenant governor was Pamela Richards Samuel.

Biography Early life O'Bryan is a native of Saint Thomas, where he was born on June 7, 1956, to James A. O’Bryan Sr. and Elsa D. Oliver O’Bryan. He graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School in Charlotte Amalie in 1974 and was president of his class. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree in mass communications and political science from Boston University in 1978.

2010 candidacy for governor O'Bryan announced his candidacy for governor of the United States Virgin Islands as a member of the Democratic Party in the 2010 gubernatorial election. His running mate for lieutenant governor was Pamela Richards Samuel, the former U.S.V.I. Commissioner of Tourism. They announced the launch of their campaign in an hour-long presentation on the WDHP radio station on August 17, 2010. He listed the top issues of their campaign platform as public safety, education, health care and employment.

O'Bryan and Richards Samuel lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary election in 2010, placing fourth behind De Jongh, Donastorg and James. O'Bryan received 432 votes in the election, approximately 3% of the total vote. OHe told supporters and the media following the election, "The people have spoken, I respect their wishes, and I will go forward with this episode from now on." He would not say if he would endorse Governor John de Jongh, the winner of the primary, for a second term, explaining, "I’m going to listen to the rain tonight and think on it."