politics

Second Republican senator resigns this month

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by Guy Page

October has not been kind to the freshman class of GOP caucus in the Vermont Senate.

On, Sen. Sam Douglass resigned at the behest of Gov. Phil Scott and GOP leaders in the House and Senate, after Politico published a statement he made about a person’s hygiene on a Young Republicans Chat.

Sen. Larry Hart

In very different circumstances, Sen. Larry Hart – who defeated long-serving Democrat Mark MacDonald – resigned Monday (see letter below).

“As you may know, I experienced the loss of my daughter and grandchild to addiction prior to running for the Senate,” Hart said in his resignation letter to Senate Secretary John Bloomer. “My hope was that I could refocus my life honoring my daughter with becoming a Vermont Senator and help with substance use addiction legislation among many other goals I outlined in my Senate Race. I found that it became too difficult for me to accomplish any major goals in my first session as a Senator. The time and commitment became too great for my health and emotional well-being.”

Three other GOP freshmen remain: Chris Mattos of Chittenden North, Steve Heffernan of Addison County, and Pat Brennan of Chittenden – Grand Isle.

Following the resignations, the county Republican Committee will submit names of replacements to Gov. Scott, who will likely appoint one of them to serve in the 2026 term. Democrats have moved swiftly to put forth candidates for the 2026 election. Rep. Monique Priestley (Bradford) announced yesterday she would run for Senate in Orange County, just a day after Hart’s resignation. Gaston Bathalon of Troy announced last week he will run for the Orleans seat.

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Categories: politics

4 replies »

  1. I am deeply sorry for Senator Hart’s tragic loss. The majority serving in the Vermont State House act as though they are of the synagogue of Satan. Perhaps Vermonters need to experience oppression under a Progressive Governor and a return to the supermajority to finally understand that Democrats are actually Marxists. Unfortunately, most of the VT GOP compromise with this evil. Praying for strength and endurance for Senators Mattos, Heffernan, and Brennan.

  2. I have been in contact with and following my Orange County Senator Larry Hart since his election. I was very impressed with his sincerity and desire to do what was in the best interests of his constituents and their communities. The pressures and strain of dealing with the hot house these days of politics in Montpelier are great for a person of integrity. Thank you Larry Hart for your service and for having the courage to recognize that we must first take care of ourselves before we can take care of others. Peace be with you.

  3. God Bless Senator Larry Hart. It takes a lot of hart to challenge the “authorities” I pledge my allegiance to the Flag, and to the Republic for which it stands. One Nation, under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice For All. And by the way, Mr. Hart, when you see men like me stepping up, it’s only because of men like you. I’m so sorry I did not step up in time, and I bear a heavy responsibility and shame.

  4. I can’t imagine his pain from the loss of his daughter and the difficulties of challenging a state legislature and appalling mindsets that support “safe” shoot-up facilities for addicts and decries the deportation of drug traffickers.