by Rep. Jim Harrison (photos, some content added by VDC)
This year’s August 13 primary election will have on the ballot nominees for all statewide offices, including governor and lieutenant governor, as well as state senate and state representative.
This is your opportunity to select the candidates that will be our choices on the November ballot. As has been said before, “Elections have consequences,” so be sure to vote.
Vermont has an open primary system. A voter can select the Democratic, Progressive or Republican ballot and vote for candidates listed or write in your choice.
There are no contested primaries for the statewide offices of attorney general, treasurer, or auditor. Here’s some info about the contested primary candidates for governor and lieutenant governor.
Governor
Republican – Phil Scott (uncontested). Democrat – Esther Charlestin and Peter Duval. Charlestin is a former equity director in the Middlebury schools and lists herself as a small business owner. Duval is a part time sailing instructor and substitute teacher living in Underhill. See this July 25 Vermont Public debate between Democratic candidates.
Lieutenant Governor
Republican – John Rogers and Gregory Thayer. Rogers is a former Democratic State Senator from Orleans County who feels he is too moderate for today’s Democratic party and has led forums at the State House this past spring critical of recent actions by the legislature, including those adding costs to Vermonters. Thayer is a former member of the Rutland Board of Aldermen, 2022 candidate for lieutenant governor, and Vermont campaign manager for Trump. Vermont Public will host a debate between Republican candidates for Lt Governor on Vermont Edition on Tuesday, July 30 at noon.
Democrat – Thomas Renner and David Zuckerman. Renner is the Asst. Mayor in Winooski and a member of Congresswoman Becca Balint’s staff. Zuckerman is an organic farmer and current lieutenant governor. He has sought the Progressive nomination as well in past elections. Vermont Public will host a debate between Democratic candidates for Lt Governor on Vermont Edition on Wednesday, July 31 at noon.
Click here for list of all candidates, color-coded for contested Democrat and Republican primaries, for all offices on August 13 primary ballot.
Rep. Jim Harrison is running uncontested for the Republican nomination for the Mendon-Killington House seat he now holds.