By Guy Page

Former Vermont Assistant House Minority Leader Rob LaClair today formally announced his candidacy for a Washington County State Senate seat, pledging to campaign on what he calls restoring “choice” to Vermonters on issues ranging from taxes and education to energy and housing.

LaClair, who served eight years in the Vermont House from 2014 to 2022, formally launched his campaign Tuesday with the slogan, “It’s About Choices.” He is seeking to unseat one of the county’s current Senate incumbents in the 2026 election.

LaClair is among the three Republicans seeking the nomination for the three-seat district. He, Christopher Neddo of Barre Town, and Peter Schmeekle of Stowe will face the winners of the contested Democratic primary: incumbents Ann Cumming, Andrew Perchlik, Anne Watson, and challenger Gabriel LaJeunesse. 

In announcing his campaign, LaClair argued that state government has grown while delivering diminishing results. “That money belongs in your pocket, not the legislature’s ledger,” he said, adding that Vermonters deserve leaders who will reduce spending, restore property rights and give families greater control over their own decisions.

LaClair’s platform focuses on six major areas: taxes and affordability, environment and energy policy, healthcare, workforce and economic development, education, and housing. He advocates allowing residents more freedom in decisions such as home heating, vehicle choices, healthcare options and land development while promoting affordable housing and vocational education opportunities.

During his legislative tenure, LaClair served as assistant minority leader and held leadership positions on the House Government Operations Committee, including vice chair and ranking member. Outside the Legislature, he has served as vice chair of the Barre Town Selectboard, chaired the Washington Central Supervisory Union, and volunteered with the Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department.

LaClair also brings private-sector experience from a 24-year career with UPS and ownership interests in Worcester Outback and LBJ’s Grocery.

He said demographic changes, declining school enrollment and rising costs require immediate action rather than additional studies or bureaucracy. “We need leaders who hit the ground running to remove the barriers that stop people from doing what they know is best,” LaClair said.

A resident of Montpelier, LaClair said he is committed to “restoring choice and control to the people of Vermont” and encouraged voters to join his campaign for what he described as a more empowered future for Washington County and the state. LaClair’s campaign manager is Ken Sekuterski.

VDC will publish campaign information about other candidates as provided.