By VDC staff
State Rep. Jim Harrison announced he will step down from the Vermont House in January, ending more than eight years representing the Rutland-11 district, serving the towns of Chittenden, Killington, Mendon and Pittsfield.
Harrison, a Republican, is regarded in the State House as well-informed and articulate about business and fiscal matters, approachable by news media, a tenacious negotiator in conference committee, and suited by both personality and political stands to working across the aisle. He is also the former president of the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association.
Harrison, appointed by Gov. Phil Scott in April 2017 to fill the unexpired term of former Rep. Job Tate, has since been elected four times by voters in Chittenden, Killington, Mendon and Pittsfield. He had held the seat before Tate’s tenure in office.
In a message to constituents, Harrison said he and his wife, Pat, will be moving out of the area this winter for personal and family reasons.
“It has truly been an honor serving as your state representative,” Harrison wrote. His resignation will take effect Jan. 6 at noon. Gov. Scott will appoint a successor to complete the term, which runs through 2026.
Harrison reflected on his tenure, noting his service as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee during the most recent session. He said he valued the bipartisan work of examining state spending and appreciated being trusted with the role as a member of the minority party.
Harrison expressed gratitude to district residents for their support and to his wife for being “by my side for the entire journey,” from campaign work to reviewing his weekly columns in The Mountain Times.
He also highlighted the relationships and camaraderie that developed in the State House, including lighthearted moments such as his self-appointed role as commissioner of the annual March Madness pool and a humorous framed photo he once gave the governor—one he joked may not remain on Scott’s office wall much longer.
“Life is but a journey, and we look forward to our next stop,” he wrote. “Thank you for your continued support and faith in me.”