Will face Mark Coester in GOP primary August 11
By Guy Page
Republican candidate Gerald Malloy of Perkinsville has entered the race for Vermont’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, setting up a primary in which the winner will challenge to incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Becca Balint.
Mark Coester of Westminster recently announced he has submitted petitions to run for Congress again. He lost to Balint in 2024. Malloy was the GOP nominee for senator in 2024, unsuccessfully challenging Bernie Sanders. The primary will be held August 11.
Malloy announced this week that he has submitted petitions to run for Congress, framing his campaign around affordability, moderation and cooperation with Republican Gov. Phil Scott.
“It has been over 25 years since Vermont has had moderate, balanced representation in Congress, and Vermonters see the decline and realize it’s time for change, and results, not just more angry rhetoric,” Malloy said in a statement.
Malloy described himself as a West Point graduate, decorated veteran and MBA with 40 years of government and business experience.
“I am a Vermont parent and I love our brave little state,” he said.
The campaign announcement argues that decades of Democratic and Progressive control in Montpelier have contributed to rising costs and outmigration.
“Without moderate, balanced representation in Congress, and with the last 30 years straight of Democrat/Progressive control of the Vermont Senate, Vermont has become unaffordable, a place to leave,” Malloy said.
Malloy said he would work with Scott in support of the governor’s economic initiatives and focus on what he called practical results rather than partisan conflict.
“I am not interested in name calling and complaining,” he said. “I will deliver results for all Vermonters to return Vermont to being an affordable and safe place to live and stay and thrive.”
The statement closes with a campaign slogan invoking Vermont’s place as the 14th state admitted to the Union.
“Vermonters have an opportunity to vote for the 14th star to shine bright with moderate, balanced representation that will deliver results,” he said.
