By VDC staff
Rep. Monique Priestley (D-Bradford), now in her second term in the Vermont House of Representatives, announced Tuesday that she will run for the Vermont State Senate in 2026.
She will not face incumbent Larry Hart, the Republican businessman and retired Marine who unseated longtime Democrat senator Mark MacDonald in 2024. Hart resigned on Monday. To date no other Democrat has declared for the Senate seat.
In 2024 she defeated Republican Zack Lang 53-46%.
Priestley said the decision came after a period of reflection following her first term. “After my first term, I wasn’t sure I’d continue in elected office,” she said. “But something shifted this past year…. I’m not done. I’m just getting started.”
Since joining the Legislature, Priestley said she has focused on rural equity, data privacy, consumer protection, and youth engagement. In her Senate campaign, Priestley plans to highlight housing, climate resilience, affordability, economic fairness, and government transparency.