Yesterday’s Primary Election saw candidates running on strong climate action platforms overwhelmingly win their races across Vermont. Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) endorsed candidates facing primary challenges in races in all corners of the state. 92% of candidates VCV endorsed in contested primaries received enough votes to secure their party’s nomination and will advance to the general election on November 3rd.
Through its endorsements, VCV aims to educate voters across the state on candidates whose values and actions align with our vision for Vermont to advance and defend policies that protect the environment and promote health, while also advancing civil rights, social, racial, and economic justice, and strengthening our democracy.
The majority of VCV’s endorsed candidates were incumbents who championed policies to make Vermont’s communities more resilient to flooding and climate change, expand access to clean energy, protect Vermonters from toxic chemicals like PFAS, and regulate data centers.
For new contenders, VCV endorsed candidates who submitted a questionnaire that demonstrated aligned priorities and values on environmental and other important issues facing Vermont.
“Vermont voters are making it clear that they want leaders who will stand up for clean air and water, climate action, and a democracy that works for everyone,” said Justin Marsh, political director, Vermont Conservation Voters. “At a moment when so much is being threatened at the federal level, Vermont has an opportunity, and frankly a responsibility, to keep moving forward. The candidates who won yesterday’s primaries have the chance to make Vermont a leader in protecting our environment, our communities, and our democracy, and we look forward to working with them to meet that moment and ensure they win their elections in November.”
Contested races where VCV-endorsed climate champions won:
Senate
Bennington: Seth Bongartz, Rob Plunkett
Chittenden-Central: Martine Larocque Gulick, Tanya Vyhovsky
Chittenden-Southeast: Ginny Lyons, Kesha Ram Hinsdale
Orange: Monique Priestley
Washington: Ann Cummings, Andy Perchlik, Anne Watson
Windsor: Becca White, Joe Major
House
Bennington-2: Tim Corcoran
Chittenden-18: Carol Ode
Chittenden-21: Daisy Berbeco
Chittenden-22: Karen Dolan, Lori Houghton
Orange-Washington-Addison: Larry Satcowitz
Washington-4: Jared Duval, Kate McCann
Windham-3: Michelle Bos-Lun
Windsor-3: Alice Emmons, Kristi Morris
VCV will continue rolling out endorsements leading up to the general election. To see all of VCV’s endorsed candidates, visit https://vermontconservationvoters.com/endorsements/.
