Governor Phil Scott-(R) won easily against an unknown challenger and will begin his fifth term as Governor in January. Governor Phil Scott has never enjoyed campaigning but this cycle he campaigned and helped fund strong candidates to try to bring more balance to Montpelier.
Many were surprised to see that both the Vermont Senate and House of Representatives lost their super majority as well as the incumbent Lt. Governor. This year, 60% of legislative seats were contested, including 24 of 30 Senate seats and 84 of 150 House seats. The theme that resonated with Vermonters was to elect more pragmatic, common sense and fiscally conservative Vermonters. While we wait for the official final numbers, it looks like a total of 24 seats were picked up by the Republicans in the House and Senate.
The Republicans got their message out that voters are fatigued over increased costs and taxes. Property tax bills put a finer point on how unaffordable Vermont is becoming. Add that to the over 15% health insurance premium increase and fear of the anticipated increased cost of fuel. Many candidates, both Independent and Republican, stated similar reasons for running for the General Assembly.
What’s next? Once the ballots are certified and all recounts have been settled, the General Assembly will consider who will be in leadership positions. The current Speaker, Jill Krowinski, is being challenged by Laura Sibilia, an Independent from Dover. The long-time Senate majority leader Sen. Alison Clarkson is also being challenged. Vermont legislature leadership could be turned on its head in the coming weeks, which is important because committee assignments are chosen by leadership. It is important to note that both House and Senate Agriculture committees were largely dismantled by retirements and elections.
The next legislative session will be critical in many areas, including education finance and property taxes, rising health care costs, lack of housing and heating costs. Agriculture could be a bit of a sleepy topic with so many economic pressures in Vermont.
The agricultural sector will look for opportunities to amend Act 182 An act relating to banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. With the hopes that the effective date can be pushed out and if New Yorks law is repealed that Vermont’s law would automatically be repealed. We will also be looking for opportunities to provide farms protect from nuisance lawsuits by passing a “Right to Farm” bill.
Lastly, the Vermont General Assembly will receiving a report, which VDPA has testified and provided information, that will consider the rights for farm workers to organize for collective bargaining and the right to strike.
Overview of Elections:
Governor’s Race – Republicans retain the Governor’s Office
Phil Scott (R) 70.87 %
X Esther Charlestin (D/P) 21.29 %
Lt. Governor’s Race
John Rodgers (R) 46.24 %
X David Zuckerman (P/D) 44.64%
Vermont House: Total 150 seats
Democrats 87
Republicans 56 (+18 seats)
Progressives 4
Independents 3
Vermont Senate: Total of 30 seats
Democrats 16
Republicans 13 (+6 seats)
Progressive 1
*Votes have not been certified and several recounts are likely
Committee assignments will be announced in January when the General Assembly returns to Montpelier.
Notable losses:
Rep. Diane Lanpher Addison-3 district (Chair of House Appropriations)
Rep. Josie Leavitt in the Grand Isle-Chittenden district (Agriculture)
Re. Mike Rice in the Rutland- Bennington District ( Agriculture)
Rep. Robin Chestnut-Tangerman in the Bennington-Rutland district (House General)
Rep. William Notte Rutland-7 House district (House Asst. Majority Leader)
Sen. Mark MacDonald- Orange District (served over 40 years in the Legislature)
Sen. Chris Bray – Addison District (Chair of Natural Resources & Energy), generally not a supporter of agriculture.