A straddle mount connector is provided for edge mounting to a circuit board of a pluggable module. The straddle mount connector includes a dielectric connector body having a base and a plug extending from the base. The base is configured to be coupled to an edge of the circuit board. The plug has opposite first and second sides and a plate cavity that extends within the plug between the first and second sides. The plug is configured to be received within a receptacle of a receptacle connector. Electrical contacts are held by the connector body. The electrical contacts include mating segments. The mating segments of a first group of the electrical contacts are arranged in a first row that extends a length along the first side of the plug. The mating segments of a second group of the electrical contacts are arranged in a second row that extends a length along the second side of the plug. A ground plate is held within the plate cavity of the plug of the connector body. The ground plate extends between the first and second rows of electrical contacts along the lengths of the first and second rows.