Editor’s Note: A three-way race has emerged for the leadership of the Vermont Republican Party between Russ Ingalls, incumbent Paul Dame, and Bennington County chair Joe Gervais. The election will be held November 8 at the state convention. There is also be a race for the vice-chair position between William Kolb of Northfield, Greg Thayer Rutland and (rumored) another candidate. VDC welcomes commentary and letters to the editor for all candidates, and will publish promptly and without favoritism.

By Sen. Russ Ingalls

The Vermont Republican Party finds itself at a critical moment. We have a state that is growing increasingly out of reach for so many amid unaffordable property taxes, a public safety crisis, and rising energy costs. Strong Republican leadership has never been more important to defend our state, broaden and energize voters, and to continue electing Republicans up and down the ballot. For these reasons and many more, I am humbled to announce my campaign for Chair of the Vermont Republican Party.

Since 2019, I have had the honor of serving my friends and neighbors in the Vermont State Senate. I have been an unapologetic champion of free speech as a legislator and as the owner of two real estate enterprises and a collection of radio stations in the Northeast Kingdom. With my experience in government and in business, I intend to be a fierce advocate for our Party. There is no question that 2024, represented a tremendous success for the VTGOP and Republicans on the ballot, but we cannot expect the same favorable landscape that yielded those results and, if history is any indicator, 2026 will be one of the most competitive years yet. To that end, our Party needs energy, resources, and unity to accomplish this.

My campaign for Chairman will be rooted in four key pillars:

1) Engage Young Voters: The future of our party depends on engaging the next generation. We need to meet these new Republican voters where they are through robust social media campaigns and event series across the state. I also intend to deepen the ties with the Vermont Young Republicans and give them the support they need to reach more of their generation.

2) Prioritize Fundraising: It is no secret that we need resources to be competitive. My sole focus will be to build and to strengthen the relationships with donors to ensure our Party and candidates have the financial support they need to win races.

3) Candidate Recruitment & Grassroots Organizing: Unlike 2024, we need to ensure that we have a candidate in every single race for the House, the Senate, and statewide offices. We left seats on the table and surrendered them—never again. We will accomplish this by strengthening relationships between the County leadership and the VTGOP. Everyone should have a seat at the table as we craft our platform and strategy.

4) Foster a Team Culture at the VTGOP: A value that was instilled in me from a very early age in my military family was that of teamwork. I commit to ensuring you will have a VTGOP that is responsive and one that has a team-oriented culture that empowers our members, includes diverse viewpoints, and utilizes the endless talent that is already part of the Party.

The Vermont Republican Party has the policies Vermonters want to rally around, and we need to make sure our messaging matches the moment. There is no substitute for victory and I pledge that I will be dedicated to our Party and to all of you. I have spoken to far too many of you who feel disenfranchised with the direction of our Party and its leadership. I hear you and commit to making sure that your values and ideals are reflected in the Party that you love. If elected, I will serve as your Chairman in a volunteer capacity and will not be accepting a salary for my work. And, just like with my own businesses, I will be financially disciplined and make sure every cent is spent in the right places.

I want the same things that all Vermonters want: a more affordable state, safe communities, and great schools. Our Republican Party has never been stronger and I humbly ask for your vote to lead it into the 2026 election and beyond.

The author is a businessman, state senator for the Essex district, and candidate for the chair of the Vermont GOP.