Senator Darron Pickstock has resigned from the Upper Chamber (the Senate) to contest the Golden Isles by-election on November 24, setting aside the stability of his Senate seat for the uncertainty of the campaign trail.
Pickstock’s move comes after the sudden death of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Member of Parliament Vaughn Miller, which left the seat vacant. Now, the PLP has placed its confidence and campaign machinery behind Pickstock, hoping he can hold onto a constituency that could signal the country’s political mood heading into the 2026 General Election.
A risky move
Pickstock’s resignation was perhaps a necessary step in that direction.
His decision to step down underscores the ethical and political tightrope that comes with running for elected office while holding an appointed position. But it also leaves him without a guaranteed position in government.
If he loses, he will have no seat in Parliament and may be offered a government position in the background or return to being a lawyer and businessman, stalling his political rise.
This move shows confidence and ambition, and also reveals the high stakes surrounding the by-election.
Why it matters
By-elections in The Bahamas are rare and can act as mini referendums on the ruling party’s performance.
The PLP, led by Prime Minister Philip Davis, has held office since 2021, and the Golden Isles race can be seen as a measure of whether voters still support the government’s leadership or if momentum is shifting toward the Free National Movement (FNM).
Pickstock will face Brian Brown of the FNM, a familiar face who has worked in the constituency since 2010, and Brian Rolle of the third party, Coalition of Independents (COI).
A win for Pickstock would strengthen the PLP politically and possibly raise his profile within the party. A loss, however, would not only put a dent in the government’s confidence but could also sideline him.
The bigger picture
Golden Isles is considered a swing constituency. Voters supported the FNM in 2017, but shifted to the PLP in 2021 after Miller switched parties.
This makes this by-election more than just who replaces Miller— it’s a temperature check on national sentiment.
The PLP is investing money and resources heavily in Pickstock’s campaign, viewing him as a test of the party’s strength and its ability to connect with voters.
The bottom line
Darron Pickstock’s decision to leave the safety of the Senate for a shot in Golden Isles is a political risk that could define his career.
If he wins, he joins the House of Assembly as a rising star in the PLP. If he loses, he fades away.