Friends,
As we wrap our heads around the implications of the national election results for our environment and our country, I wanted to take a moment to update you on the results of Vermont’s elections, and where we go from here.
At the federal level, we continue to have a strong pro-environment delegation, with Senator Patrick Leahy’s re-election, alongside Congressman Peter Welch, and of course Senator Bernie Sanders. Their leadership on environmental issues will be more important than ever, and we know they will continue to fight for progress on these critical issues in the challenging times ahead.
We are excited David Zuckerman won his race for Lieutenant Governor on a platform that highlighted the importance of climate action and a healthy environment. Other VCV-endorsed statewide candidates won as well, including TJ Donovan for Attorney General, Jim Condos for Secretary of State, and Doug Hoffer for Auditor.
We congratulate Phil Scott on winning the race for Governor. Although we endorsed and supported Sue Minter’s campaign, we will work hard with the Scott administration to move forward on common goals like investing in our downtowns, increasing our energy independence, cleaning up Lake Champlain and ensuring that all Vermonters have safe drinking water. Unlike federal Republicans who have made clean air and clean water partisan issues, we are fortunate to live in a state where people from across the aisle understand a healthy environment is essential to healthy communities and a thriving economy.
The Vermont Senate picked up several pro-environment senators, including co-chair of the Climate Caucus while in the House, Chris Pearson, and Alison Clarkson who was a strong environmental champion in the House. Ultimately, 19 out of 30 of elected Senators were endorsed by VCV.
The Vermont House had some pro-environment pick-ups, as well as a few tough losses. We’re excited to welcome several new VCV-endorsed House members including Jay Hooper, Dylan Giambatista, Lori Houghton, and Cindy Weed. We wish our best to several incumbents who lost their bids for re-election, including Steve Berry, Patsy French and Avram Patt. Ultimately, 84 VCV-endorsed candidates were elected to the Vermont House.
Despite the national rhetoric from elected leaders who oppose environmental regulations and deny the science of global warming, here in Vermont we have the opportunity to show the country how people can work across the aisle to support and ensure a healthy environment for all – a model that will be more important than ever in the coming years.
Onward,
Lauren