By VDC staff

Burlington City Council President Ben Traverse is seriously considering a run for mayor, potentially challenging Progressive Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak if she seeks reelection.

Traverse, a Democrat representing Ward 5, told WCAX that he cares deeply about Burlington but believes “there are some changes that need to be made.” He said he expects to decide within the next few weeks whether to enter the mayoral race.

Mulvaney-Stanak was elected to her first term in March, 2024. She is up for re-election to another three-year term in March, 2027. 

Mulvaney-Stanak said she welcomes interest in public service and expects to make her own reelection decision this fall. “I think it’s good for democracy when people are interested in service to the city,” she said, adding that she is now focused on Burlington’s current challenges.

Traverse and Mulvaney-Stanak have differed over the city’s approach to public safety. Traverse is scheduled to discuss his public-safety plan Sunday at 11:30 AM on WCAX’s “You Can Quote Me.”