Contact: Emily Bowers Vermont Democratic Party Communications Director
Email: ebowers@vtdemocrats.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
VERMONT DEMOCRATS CELEBRATE HISTORIC WINS
Montpelier, VT – Tonight, Tuesday November 8, Vermont decisively elected a historic slate of Democratic candidates, standing against GOP extremism and proving that the vast majority of Vermont aligns with the Democratic Party’s core principles of equity, progress, and a sustainable and affordable future for all.
Senator-elect Peter Welch is taking the seat of Vermont legend Senator Patrick Leahy, and Congresswoman-elect Becca Balint will be the first woman and openly gay member of Congress in Vermont history. Their wins represent a monumental shift in Vermont's federal representation, with each winning their race by resounding margins. Lieutenant Governor-elect David Zuckerman returns to the office after running a robust campaign providing a voice for working Vermonters. Secretary of State-elect Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, and Treasurer-elect Mike Pieciak will use their offices to protect democracy, promote affordability, fight against climate change, and maintain reproductive liberty. And Attorney General-elect Charity Clark takes office as the first woman elected Attorney General in Vermont’s history, and will use her office to advocate for equality under the law.
Gubernatorial candidate Brenda Siegel ran a strong campaign. We were proud to have her as our Democratic candidate for Governor, using her platform to give a voice to those often left behind.
Said Senator-elect Peter Welch, “I’m grateful to have received the support of Vermonters to be their next U.S. Senator. It’s been an incredible privilege to have served Vermont in the U.S. House for the past 16 years, where I’ve worked to bring the Vermont Way of mutual respect, civility, and finding common ground to Washington, DC. I will bring that same approach to the Senate to deliver for working families by tackling the affordability crisis, protecting our climate, codifying reproductive freedom, and strengthening our democracy. I’ll work hard to continue Patrick Leahy’s amazing legacy of service and commitment to all Vermonters. And I want to express my congratulations to Vermont’s first Congresswoman, Becca Balint. I look forward to working with her and Sen. Sanders in DC to deliver for Vermont.”
Said Congresswoman-elect Becca Balint, “I know Vermonters believe politics can be different, it can be about making life better for all of us, and not about protecting the power and privilege of a few. I will carry your hopes and wishes with me. I will stay rooted in our communities here in Vermont and I will work for our most vulnerable neighbors every single day. For climate action. For universal healthcare. For liveable wages. For reproductive rights. For safety for queer and trans people. For racial equity, and common sense gun laws. For families across this state who want a better life for their kids and grandkids. For a nation as good as its promise. Our future depends on this. We must give each other courage and do this work together.”
Said Lieutenant Governor-elect David Zuckerman, “I am honored that Vermonters have put their trust in me to serve as their Lieutenant Governor. Come January, I am ready to hit the ground running to create a state where all people have the opportunity to thrive and the future is brighter for everyone. The door to my office will be open to all Vermonters, and I look forward to continuing to engage with people across the state to find ways to move our state forward together for economic opportunity, community justice, and a healthy planet for our future.”
Said Treasurer-elect Mike Pieciak, “I’m looking forward to building on Beth Pearce’s legacy, working to ensure our public sector employees have a secure retirement, and to being a strong voice for policies that support young families and our economy. Vermont’s fiscal strength depends on the economic success of each and every Vermonter.”
Said Secretary of State-elect Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, "Democracy won in Vermont tonight. I am honored to be Vermont's next Secretary of State, to continue to build trust in Vermont elections, and lead by example for the rest of the nation. I am so proud of this brave little state and can't wait to get to work for Vermonters."
Said Attorney General-elect Charity Clark, “I am honored to have been elected Vermont Attorney General. It’s motivating to know that my message of experience and community-mindedness resonated with so many of you. And as the first woman to be elected Vermont Attorney General, I will elevate issues that may have been previously overlooked. I can’t wait to get started. Thank you, Vermonters, for putting your faith in me.”
As of tonight, Vermont is sending a veto-proof majority to both the State House and Senate, all of whom will hit the ground running in January, ready to make a difference on critical issues for working Vermonters, like climate change, better child care, and better, more accessible housing for all.
Said Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski, “I am so proud of all our candidates who put themselves out there at this critical time in our state and country’s history. It is fundamental to our democratic process that we have Vermonters in all 14-counties step up and run to represent their communities. We have a lot to be proud of here in Vermont, but we still have work to do to create an economy that works for Vermonter and leaves no one behind.”Said Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski, “I am so proud of all our candidates who put themselves out there at this critical time in our state and country’s history. It is fundamental to our democratic process that we have Vermonters in all 14-counties step up and run to represent their communities. We have a lot to be proud of here in Vermont, but we still have work to do to create an economy that works for Vermonter and leaves no one behind.”
Said VDP Chair Anne Lezak, "We're thrilled to be part of such a historic election night - we're sending our first woman to Washington, we elected our first woman Attorney General, and we stood strong for reproductive freedom for all Vermonters. I can't wait to see what our new elected officials do to help our state move forward in these difficult times."
###
Comments