As of October 15^th, the statewide election races are basically locked in with the same people representing Vermonters expected to win, except for Lieutenant Governor. Incumbent David Zuckerman from Hinesburg faces off with Republican (formerly Democrat) John Rodgers of Essex-Orleans County for the #2 seat in the state house.

The Lieutenant governor is an important seat in the legislature although it doesn't actually introduce policy or vote on bills with the exception of tiebreakers on the Senate floor. One of the most important jobs the Lieutenant Governor has is working on the Committee on Committees which is designed to establish who sits on what committee in the State Senate. Legislators who chair and/or sit on committees have a significant amount of control over how bills are written and the outcomes of those bills. Finally, the Lieutenant governor also serves in place of the governor if he/she is ever unable to perform his/her duties.

David Zuckerman a Progressive/Democrat has been in the Lieutenant seat since 2017 with an exception for a 2-year break after losing to Molly Gray who ran a strong campaign in the primary of 2020. Zuckerman is running on his experience in Montpelier and dedication to Vermonters in need. Zuckerman as the incumbent has a significant chance of being re-elected but as Vermonters have been seeing double-digit tax increases in almost all parts of their lives it may challenge his campaign.

John Rogers was a long time “blue dog” Democrat in the Senate and after bucking many of his parties policies over the years switched and recently became a Republican. His focus in the Senate was on rural working Vermonters while working in his committees but his floor votes in the Senate were mostly party lines with the Democrat/Progressive caucus. Rogers switch from Democrat to Republican, as he describes, was from a perspective of “common sense” and that his old party has focused on policies that hurt and do not reflect the value of Vermonters. His challenge to election will always be the party switch and having to explain that to voters.

The 2024 election will be an important one here in Vermont and it’s critical that everyone finds a reason to vote. Although most offices won’t change statewide, it’s important to look forward. The Lieutenant Governor is the next likely “real” candidate for governor after Phil Scott decides to leave office.

If you have your ballot it’s time to fill it out and send it in. Encourage others you know to do the same. Think about ways your organization can help either get people out to the polls or send in their ballots. It’s not too late to register either so encourage everyone to get out and VOTE. This year is critical for the impacts Vermont will face for the next 20 years.

If you have interest in participating in the ABC Government Affairs Committee, contact Matt Musgrave at matt@abcnhvt.org or call 802-881-9117.