By Guy Page

Rep. Leland Morgan (R-Milton/Grand Isle) has announced he will run for the newly created Vermont Senate seat covering Milton, Essex Town, Westford, and Fairfax. The seat is called Chittenden North.

Morgan currently holds one of the two West Milton-Grand Isle House seats, representing the towns of Alburgh, Grand Isle, Isle la Motte, North Hero, South Hero and West Milton. 

According to his legislative bio, Morgan was born in Vermont and is a lifelong resident. He was educated in Milton and is a graduate of the University of Vermont. Leland is married and they have two sons and one granddaughter. He is a former educator, retired military officer, a former small business owner and has served as a State Representative, Selectboard member, Schoolboard member, Justice of the Peace, Board of Civil Authority member, Notary Public and is associated with a number of organizations and clubs. Leland is now a Justice of the Peace and is an avid outdoorsman.

The every-ten-years-redistricting bill was signed by Gov. Phil Scott April 6, No other candidates have declared their candidacy for the new senate district. The Colchester – Grand Isle Senate seat long held by Sen. Richard Mazza of Colchester remains unchanged. 

Rep. Mike Morgan, also a Republican, is the other representative in the West Milton-Grand Isle House district, which remains a two-seat district. He is Leland Morgan’s nephew. The two are recruiting a strong, well-known Republican to run for the House seat to be vacated by Leland Morgan. 

On the other side of the state, Republican J.T. Dodge has announced he will run as a Republican for the newly redistricted Caledonia County seat, which due to a shrinking population has been reduced from one seat to two. Incumbent Republican Joe Benning is running for lieutenant governor.