Vermont Republicans: let’s build a stronger, grassroots-powered future together

by Joe Gervais 

Fellow Vermonters, dedicated Republicans, and freedom-loving patriots across the Green Mountains—  

Today, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Chair of the Vermont Republican Party. As we approach our state party’s reorganization and a pivotal 2026 election cycle, I am stepping forward not just to lead, but to ignite a grassroots movement. A movement that empowers every town committee, every member, and every voice—from the Champlain Valley to the Connecticut River—to reclaim Vermont’s Republican heritage and Republican leadership.  

For too long, top-down control has sidelined our grassroots strength, letting opportunity slip away in a state brimming with conservative values, hard work, independence, and unyielding opportunity. As chair, I will return to our volunteer roots — I will serve without taking a salary. The party’s funds will go to party growth and candidate support. I see a brighter path for the VTGOP: one where grassroots volunteers drive our party. As your next VTGOP Chairman, power will be the hands of county chairs, members, and everyday Republicans. We will foster participation at all levels to ensure every town has a GOP committee and every candidate has the tools to triumph.  

My focus is on unifying our efforts, transparency and participation. Together we will work to earn back the trust of every-day hard working Vermont voters who deserve representation that reflects a unified, unapologetically conservative voice. Our state committee meetings will be positive, fun and engaging events focused on party growth, but more specifically, focused on working together to win elections at every level.  

This approach isn’t about yesterday’s battles—it’s about tomorrow’s victories. What better inspiration than America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026? As we celebrate a quarter-millennium of exceptionalism that started with our Green Mountain boys and extended through Shaftsbury native Jacob Howard’s pivotal role in the founding of the Republican Party — let’s make Vermont Republican history with bold, achievable goals that honor that spirit:  

• Organize 250 Town and County Republican Committees: Change begins by engaging and empowering our grassroots energy. From our current foundation of over 100 active committees, we’ll expand to every corner of Vermont—seeking to anchor Republican representation in every town and city, throughout all 14 counties. County chairs and state committee members will lead this charge, backed by data-driven strategies and hands-on support, turning passive supporters into active organizers to unlock local fundraising and volunteer power. We will awaken the silent majority! 

• Build a Network of 250 Recurring Donors to the VTGOP: Trust is the foundation of fundraising. By unifying the party, growing town and county committees, Republicans will again be encouraged to give time, talents, and financial support for clear conservative policies and priorities that will restore the values Vermont was founded upon. Only by instilling confidence in our State Party’s direction can we meet our financial goals.  The VTGOP must evolve into a grassroots driven organization that all Republicans can respect and support. 

• Raise $250,000 dedicated to winning 2026 Elections: Fueling our resurgence with robust fundraising approaches—from local drives to recurring contributions, to major donor partnerships—we’ll equip candidates with campaign kits, training, and tech. This isn’t just money; it’s momentum to flip the Senate majority, grow our House caucus, and counter Democratic stall tactics on climate and education reform.  

These milestones aren’t dreams—they’re deadlines. Tied to the 250th anniversary, they’ll rally Vermonters around independence and unity, proving Republican principles are rocket fuel for the future—and enabling us to field strong candidates in every statewide and legislative seat.  

These goals are ambitious – something one person cannot achieve on their own This isn’t my first time assembling a large volunteer army—as Regional Director for a ministry, I equipped leaders and successfully led a 1,000-person team for God’s work. This is no different. I’ve spent the last four years in the trenches: running a House race and competitive Senate race in Bennington, canvassing across the district, attending Leadership Institute trainings in 2025, and equipping county chairs as head of the County Chairs’ Council.  

As your Chair, I believe the Vermont Republican Party is so much bigger than me—it’s about you: the town chair rallying neighbors over coffee, the volunteer stuffing envelopes until midnight, the young Republican ready to lead. Together, we’ll recruit strong candidates, provide cutting-edge resources, and work to turn out every vote.  

Join your upcoming county reorganizations—become a State Party delegate, volunteer, organize, and spread the word. When Republicans unite, Vermont wins! 

Let’s make 2026 the year we don’t just celebrate America’s birthday—we Restore the Vermont Republican Party into one Calvin Coolidge would be honored to join!  

For Vermont. For Freedom. For the 250th.  

Author is Candidate for Chair, Vermont Republican Party.