Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of statewide candidates: Amanda Janoo for Governor, Molly Gray for Lieutenant Governor, Charity Clark for Attorney General, Mike Pieciak for Treasurer, Sarah Copeland Hanzas for Secretary of State, and Tim Ashe for Auditor.
“Vermont Conservation Voters is pleased to endorse a slate of statewide candidates with strong environmental and democracy values, all of whom are committed to ensuring the state continues working toward healthy drinking water for all Vermonters, clean lakes and rivers, climate action, and a vibrant democracy,” said Dan Fingas, executive director, Vermont Conservation Voters.
Amanda Janoo, Vermont’s Democratic candidate for governor, has demonstrated a strong commitment to climate action, environmental protection, and building a more affordable and resilient Vermont, while committing to fighting the threat of data centers in the state. Also on the endorsement roster is Molly Gray, a candidate for lieutenant governor, who has been a strong advocate for Vermont communities, both as former Lt. Governor and outside the role, and brings a commitment to building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future.
Charity Clark, who’s running once again for Attorney General, has committed since day one to enhanced enforcement of environmental protection laws and defending the state against federal clawbacks. Mike Pieciak has used the Treasurer’s office to advance practical solutions that connect economic opportunity, affordability, and climate action, including efforts to support clean energy and outdoor recreation. He has shown how the office can be a powerful tool for building a more economically and environmentally resilient Vermont.
Also up for re-election is Sarah Copeland Hanzas, who has had a strong environmental voting record as a legislator, and in recent years as Secretary of State, she worked hard in support of a healthy democracy and expanding access to voters. Tim Ashe likewise had a strong environmental voting record as a legislator and has worked in the Auditor’s office toward better accountability and transparency in state government.
VCV is proud to support candidates who share our vision for a Vermont where everyone can thrive, our environment is protected, and our democracy is strong. We encourage our members and supporters to learn more about these candidates, their records, and their priorities for Vermont, and join us in casting a vote for them on or before November 3rd.
“I’m deeply grateful for the endorsement of Vermont Conservation Voters. I believe a healthy economy, healthy communities, and a healthy environment are inseparable,” said Amanda Janoo. “Vermont has everything we need to build a future rooted in stewardship, where we care for the land that sustains us, support the people who care for it, produce more of what we need here, and leave this place healthier and more resilient for the generations that come after us.”
“Whether we live on a hillside farm, in a small town, or in a city, all Vermonters benefit from our state’s healthy forests, clean air and water, productive soils, working landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Likewise, we are all responsible for ensuring that future generations of Vermonters inherit the same benefits we enjoy today,” said Molly Gray. “As Lieutenant Governor, I will fight to protect Vermont’s environment and rural character, and I am proud to have the backing of the Vermont Conservation Voters.”
“As Attorney General, protecting the climate and standing up for Vermont’s environment has been among my top priorities. I’m honored to again be endorsed by Vermont Conservation Voters this election, and I look forward to continuing my work in this critical area,” said Charity Clark.
“I’m honored to earn the endorsement of Vermont Conservation Voters. VCV understands that protecting our environment and building a strong economy go hand in hand,” said Mike Pieciak. “I look forward to continuing to work with VCV to protect our lands and waters, make our state more resilient to increasingly frequent natural disasters, and build the renewable energy infrastructure we need to confront the climate crisis and deliver an affordable energy future for every Vermonter.”
“I’m so proud to be endorsed by VCV. Throughout my life in public office, I have worked to protect our climate and environment by seeking common-sense, people-led solutions. I have always believed that the way we protect our environment is by protecting our democracy,” said Sarah Copeland Hanzas. “As Secretary of State, I work every day to ensure every eligible Vermonter can cast a ballot so that We the People can elect a government that will preserve our environment for future generations.”
“The State Auditor’s job is to make state government work better. Among my priorities is making sure our environmental and conservation programs are getting the best bang for the buck,” said Tim Ashe. “Vermont’s natural resources and Vermont taxpayers deserve excellence from state efforts.”
VCV has previously endorsed more than 100 candidates for the Vermont House and 21 candidates for the Vermont Senate, with more expected in the coming weeks. League of Conservation Voters (LCV), for which VCV is a state affiliate, endorsed Becca Balint for Congress earlier this year. All of VCV’s endorsed candidates are listed on their website, vermontconservationvoters.org.
Vermont Conservation Voters serves as the political arm for Vermont’s environmental community, working to elect pro-environment candidates, and once in office, hold lawmakers accountable.