By Guy Page 

Franklin County State’s Attorney and Burlington resident Bram Kranichfeld announced Monday, March 30, that he will challenge incumbent Sarah George in the Democratic primary for Chittenden County State’s Attorney.

Kranichfeld said his decision to run is rooted in both personal ties to the community and concerns about the direction of the local justice system.

“I’m running because I love this community deeply, and because I believe we can do better,” Kranichfeld said in a statement. He noted that his family moved to the area two decades ago, where he and his wife purchased their first home and raised their children. He also previously served on the Burlington City Council.

Kranichfeld said that, over time, he has seen a growing erosion of public trust in the criminal justice system across Chittenden County.

“Like so many people in Chittenden County, I have watched confidence in our system break down,” he said. “Too many people feel unsafe. Too many victims feel forgotten. Too many families and business owners feel like no one is standing up for them. And too many people have lost faith that the State’s Attorney’s office will deliver meaningful accountability.”

He said his campaign will focus on restoring that confidence through a balance of enforcement and reform.

“I believe in compassion and accountability. I believe in real rehabilitation, but also real consequences,” Kranichfeld said. “I believe the State’s Attorney must serve the whole community — victims, families, neighborhoods, business owners, people in recovery, and yes, defendants too.”

Kranichfeld added that he views the current system as ineffective for many stakeholders and pledged to pursue changes if elected.

“Justice means seeing the full picture and refusing to accept a system that has become a revolving door,” he said. “This campaign is about turning the page — turning the page on a system that is failing too many people.”

George, a progressive prosecutor first elected in 2016, has emphasized alternatives to incarceration and criminal justice reform during her tenure. The Democratic primary is expected to draw attention as voters weigh competing visions for prosecution and public safety in Vermont’s most populous county.