Two Democrats are running in the Vermont state primary on Tuesday to earn the chance to challenge four-term Republican Governor Phil Scott in the upcoming November election. The primary is the most prominent of the few contested primaries occurring on the ballot. Alongside the gubernatorial race, voters will also participate in primaries for lieutenant governor and additional contested races in the state legislature.
Esther Charlestin and Peter Duval are competing for the Democratic nomination for governor. Charlestin, an educator and former member of the Middlebury Selectboard, has secured endorsements from former Democratic Governor Howard Dean, Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman, and Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. On the other hand, Duval, a computer scientist and former Underhill Selectboard member, emphasizes environmental issues in his campaign and encourages Republicans and progressives to write in his name in their party primaries.
Incumbent Governor Phil Scott is uncontested for the Republican nomination. Despite being a Republican leader in a predominantly Democratic state, Scott maintains a high level of popularity, having received 69% of the vote in the 2022 general election. Scott has been vocal in his criticism of former President Donald Trump and endorsed former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley for president.
Both Democrats and Republicans will participate in contested primaries for lieutenant governor. Incumbent David Zuckerman is seeking reelection and is being challenged by Democrat Thomas Renner. On the Republican side, John Rodgers and Gregory Thayer are vying for the nomination. Rodgers has Scott’s endorsement, while Thayer was a delegate at the Milwaukee convention and participated in the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Becca Balint are running unopposed for the Democratic nominations in their respective races. Republican challengers for these positions are also running uncontested. Additionally, candidates for treasurer, secretary of state, attorney general, and auditor are running unopposed in the primary elections.
In Vermont, the governor, lieutenant governor, and other state constitutional officers serve two-year terms. All state legislative seats are up for election, with Democrats holding a significant majority in both chambers.
The Vermont state primaries are scheduled for Tuesday, with polls closing at 7 p.m. ET. The Associated Press will provide coverage of the results for contested primaries for governor, lieutenant governor, state Senate, and state House races. Any registered voter in Vermont may participate in any party’s primary as the state does not register voters by party affiliation. Turnout and advance voting numbers will play a role in determining the primary election results. The AP will only declare winners in races where there is no scenario for trailing candidates to make up the difference in votes. Candidates may request a recount under certain conditions if the vote margin is within a specific threshold.
