By Sam Douglass

A letter in support of an Orange County Democrat sent ripples over the weekend within the Vermont Republican Party. Representative Richard Nelson of Derby, a Republican, wrote an op-ed last week supporting a fellow House member and Democrat, John O’Brien of Tunbridge. Insiders say this undermined party unity ahead of Tuesday’s election and may confuse Republican voters, but Nelson stressed his motivations were sincere.

Political endorsements occupy a significant place in electoral strategy. Obtaining support from lawmakers, political organizations, labor unions, business groups and nonprofits often carries backing which may carry influence with voters. An endorsement may provide voters with information about a candidate, but it also reflects the judgment and priorities of the person or organization offering it, including what policies it may be seeking in the near future. 

Endorsements do not always fall neatly along party lines, particularly in a small state such as Vermont, where lawmakers from opposing parties frequently work together on committees and legislation.

Nelson, recently wrote a letter of support for Democratic Brien, a fellow member of the House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. O’Brien is seeking reelection against Republican Bruce Post, whom he defeated in 2024.

The letter, titled “O’Brien Works For Rural Vt,” appeared in the White River Valley Herald last Thursday as an apparent endorsement. However, Nelson told the Vermont Daily Chronicle on Saturday that the letter was never intended to serve as a full political endorsement of O’Brien, but rather as a letter of support recognizing his character and work on the Agriculture Committee. The letter does not reference Nelson’s political affiliation, nor O’Brien’s.

The letter described O’Brien as conscientious and a supporter of the agricultural community. It also included reference to O’Brien’s support for important agricultural and rural policies, these included supporting the 2025 partial repeal of Act 181. O’Brien originally voted for Act 181 and voted against the Governor’s veto.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the letter caused some controversy behind the scenes within the Republican Party due to O’Brien’s voting record, the proximity to the election, and conflicting endorsements within the VTGOP. The race between O’Brien and Post is potentially close, as Post only lost by 56 votes in 2024. Post also carries an endorsement from Republican Governor Phil Scott. 

Nelson and Post reportedly met in person over the weekend following the printing of the letter. Nelson told the Vermont Daily Chronicle that he believes Post, if elected, will support policies for rural Vermonters and he encourages people to vote on Tuesday. Post said that he wasn’t offended by Nelson’s letter and is pleased they were able to talk in person.

O’Brien isn’t the first Democrat that Nelson has publicly praised. He has also been publicly supportive of Rep. Leane Harple, a Democrat from his area, who broke with her party on certain issues to side with Republicans. Nelson, a dairy farmer with thousands of acres of cornfields throughout Orleans County and the surrounding region, has placed campaign signs on his property for Harple along with signs for several Republican candidates. It should be noted that Harple is running unopposed in 2026.

In a comment to the Vermont Daily Chronicle, Nelson stressed that character and the courage to do what’s right can be more important than political affiliation. When it comes to rural Vermont and agriculture, Nelson believes that lawmakers need to set aside the politics and listen to their constituents. Nelson also stressed his support for the VTGOP and Governor Phil Scott.

Cross party endorsements are uncommon but not unheard of in Vermont. In 2024, Governor Phil Scott endorsed at least one Democrat, Rep. Jay Hooper, who isn’t running for reelection this year.

Earlier this year, Democratic Rep. Matt Birong endorsed Republican Lt. Governor John Rodgers in his reelection campaign. Rodgers, who previously served in the Vermont Legislature as a Democrat, has also received endorsements from several current and former Democratic and independent lawmakers.

Crossing party lines is not exclusive to Vermont. On Sunday, Democratic U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in the state’s U.S. Senate race, just two days before Election Day.

Stevens unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat earlier this year, losing the August primary to Abdul El-Sayed by a narrow margin. Although Stevens initially indicated that she would support the Democratic nominee, relations between the two deteriorated during the general election campaign.

The announcement drew immediate public criticism and condemnation from Democratic leaders, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who characterized the endorsement as a betrayal of the party. Several members of Stevens’ staff also resigned following the announcement.

Vermont Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint weighed in on the controversy Sunday, criticizing Stevens in a statement posted to social media.

“Haley Stevens made a terrible and selfish choice today. By endorsing Mike Rogers, she is hoping to elect a MAGA Republican who will be a rubber stamp for Trump’s corrupt, authoritarian agenda. Rogers would help roll back reproductive freedom, attack LGBTQ+ rights, and put our democracy and the freedoms we have fought so hard for at risk.

“As a party, we can have hard conversations about Israel. As Jews, we can do the same. And we can do both without abandoning our values and giving away power to people who are actively seeking to crumble our government and democracy.

“Michigan voters have a clear choice on Tuesday. I urge them to reject Mike Rogers, stand with Abdul El-Sayed, and help keep this seat in the hands of a Senator with a spine.”