A no-nonsense guide
by Dave Soulia, for FYIVT.com
Vermont’s political scene may be small by population, but it’s unusually crowded when it comes to ideological variety. While most states function under the sway of just Democrats and Republicans, Vermont is home to five active and distinct political identities: Vermont Democrats, Vermont Progressives, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Vermont Republicans, and Vermont Libertarians.
Each group claims to represent the path toward a more just, prosperous, and free society—but their roadmaps are dramatically different. And understanding those differences isn’t just academic. For decades now, state-level power in Vermont has been largely held by Democrats and Progressives, with some overlap from Democratic Socialists. If you’re wondering why the policies in place are what they are—this is where to look.
Let’s walk through the major ideological dividing lines, using both their published platforms and practical policy priorities.
Vermont Democrats: Center-Left Reformers
The Vermont Democratic Party supports a regulated capitalist economy with strong social programs. They emphasize equity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship while promoting economic growth through state investments.
- Healthcare: Expand the Affordable Care Act, explore public options.
- Economy: Keep capitalism but regulate it heavily for fairness.
- Education: Strong public education with more funding and teacher support.
- Environment: Climate change action is a key priority.
- Civil Rights: Strong support for LGBTQ+ rights, racial equity, and reproductive freedom.
The Democrats are the dominant party in Vermont, holding the majority in the legislature almost continuously since the 1990s. Many of their current policies are no longer just ideas—they’re the status quo.
Vermont Progressives: The Activist Left
The Vermont Progressive Party is the largest third party in the state and often partners with Democrats on key legislation, while pushing them to the left. They share some overlap but take bolder stances on corporate power, taxation, and social justice.
- Healthcare: Lean toward single-payer, universal systems.
- Taxes: “Fair share” taxation for wealthy individuals and large corporations.
- Foreign Policy: Skeptical of U.S. military interventions.
- Criminal Justice: Support decriminalization and restorative justice models.
- Climate: Prioritize bold environmental protections, even at economic cost.
While technically separate from the Democrats, many Progressive legislators caucus with them, creating a de facto coalition that governs the state.
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA): Beyond Capitalism
The national DSA platform (which the Green Mountain DSA is presumed to follow) does not merely call for reforms—it calls for replacing capitalism entirely with a socialist system guided by democratic processes.
- Economy: Seize or nationalize key industries, abolish capitalism.
- Healthcare: Medicare for All, free at point of use.
- Housing: Massive public housing programs, rent control, right to housing.
- Justice: Abolitionist tone toward police and prisons.
- Immigration: Open borders, end deportations.
- Foreign Policy: Dismantle American global influence; anti-imperialism is central.
In Vermont, some Progressive and Democratic figures—including high-profile names like Becca Balint—have openly associated with DSA members or platforms, even if they don’t formally join the organization.
Vermont Republicans: Traditional Conservatives
The Vermont Republican Party favors individual liberty, free markets, and local control over state or federal mandates. While more moderate than national Republicans, they share core conservative values.
- Economy: Pro-business, anti-tax, limited regulation.
- Healthcare: Market-based, with private competition.
- Guns: Firm Second Amendment protections.
- Education: Strong emphasis on parental rights and local boards.
- Spending: Fiscal restraint and balanced budgets.
Despite holding the governorship under Phil Scott, Republicans are a minority in the legislature and often have to negotiate around a Democratic-Progressive supermajority.
Vermont Libertarians: Pure Liberty, Minimal State
The Vermont Libertarian Party closely mirrors the national platform, advocating for radical individual freedom in both economic and personal realms. They want the smallest government possible, with nearly all services privatized or left to voluntary charity.
- Healthcare: Fully privatized, free-market care.
- Taxes: End the income tax, abolish the IRS.
- Guns: No restrictions at all.
- Education: 100% private, with total parental control.
- Drugs/Sex Work: Legalize everything; no victim, no crime.
- Foreign Policy: End all foreign aid and military alliances.
They rarely hold elected office, but they consistently offer an ideological counterweight to Vermont’s prevailing left-wing politics.
Final Thoughts
Vermont voters aren’t limited to red or blue. Instead, they have five distinct ideological choices ranging from market fundamentalism to full-blown socialism. Some of these parties shape the state’s laws directly, while others influence the debate from the outside.
Whether you’re a voter, a candidate, or just trying to figure out where your town budget priorities came from, knowing what these parties stand for is essential. Because in Vermont, politics isn’t just a two-lane road—it’s a five-way intersection.