BennDems - News
      
      Bennington County Democrats Complete Reorganization, Lead State in Participation Growth
The Bennington County Democratic Committee has completed its 2025 reorganization, capping a month of unprecedented participation that set new records for local engagement and grassroots growth across Vermont.
      
      Bennington County Democrats Invite Public to Join in Building a Stronger Future – “It’s Now or Never”
The Bennington County Democratic Committee (BennDems) is calling on Democrats across the region to come together for its County Reorganization Meeting on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
      
      Bennington County Democrats Celebrate Historic Growth and Momentum Following 2025 Town Committee Reorganization
The Bennington County Democratic Committee (BennDems) is celebrating the successful completion of its 2025 Town Committee Reorganization, marking a major milestone in strengthening grassroots Democratic leadership and preparing for the critical elections ahead.
      
      National Democracy Advocate Amy Siskind to Keynote Bennington County Democrats’ Reorganization Meeting on Saturday, October 11
The Bennington County Democrats are proud to announce that renowned activist, author, and movement leader Amy Siskind will deliver the keynote address at the County Committee’s Reorganization Meeting on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
      
      Bennington County Democrats Lead on Housing, Community Action, and Building a Brighter Future
The Bennington County Democrats (BennDems) are making housing and community collaboration top priorities as they work to build a brighter future for the region.
      
      Bennington County Democrats Respond to Governor Scott’s Defense of Sharing Vermonters’ Data with the Trump Administration
The Bennington County Democratic Committee stands with the Vermont Democratic Party in condemning Governor Phil Scott’s defense of his decision to hand over the sensitive personal data of tens of thousands of Vermonters receiving nutrition assistance to the Trump administration.
      
      Jonathan West Named Chair of Bennington County Democratic Committee
The Bennington County Democratic Committee has named Jonathan West as its Interim Chair, following the outstanding leadership of outgoing Chair Jim Ramsey.
      
      Vermont Democrats Welcome New Party Chair Jim Ramsey
The Vermont Democratic Party (VDP) has elected Jim Ramsey of Manchester, Vermont as its new Interim Party Chair. Ramsey has served as the Chair of Bennington County Democrats.
      
      Vermont Democrats and Advocates Reject Governor Scott’s Plan to Cut Universal School Meals
Today, Vermont House and Senate Democrats joined superintendents and advocates to make clear their commitment to maintaining Universal School Meals – a program that guarantees two meals a day for every Vermont student.
      
      Rep. Cooper’s Election Win Confirmed by House
The Vermont House has affirmed Jonathan Cooper’s narrow election victory in the Bennington-1 House district race over Bruce Busa, who had appealed to the Legislature to make a determination after voter checklist errors were identified in Pownal.
      
      State and Federal Democrats Stand Together Against Trump’s Reckless Agenda and To Support Vermont Families
In response to the dangerous executive orders recently issued by President Donald Trump – orders that attack our state’s climate progress, Vermonters’ health care access, endanger Vermont’s immigrants, and threaten our economy – Vermont Democratic leaders made clear their commitment to standing united against Trump’s reckless agenda.
      
      Vermont House Democrats to Unveil Caucus Priorities for 2025 Legislative Session
Vermont House Democrats will hold a press conference on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Cedar Creek Room at the Vermont State House to announce their top priorities for the upcoming legislative session – an agenda built around the priorities of Vemonters.
      
      PRESS: Recount confirms Cooper victory in House race
BENNINGTON – A recount in the Bennington-1 House race apparently has confirmed a victory by Democrat Jonathan Cooper of Pownal over Republican Bruce Busa of Readsboro.
But the race might be headed into overtime – possibly before the Vermont House.
      
      PRESS: County Democrats inaugurate “Jim Vires Campaign Headquarters”
BENNINGTON — Bennington County Democrats inaugurated their downtown campaign headquarters recently at a “Meet the Candidates” open house which included Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, and a number of local candidates from across Bennington County. In addition, it was announced that the location was officially named after longtime friend, colleague and CAT-TV camera operator Jim Vires, who died on October 15. The space at 353 Main Street in the Putnam Block served as the center for rallying support for state and national Democratic candidates through election day this past Tuesday. The Bennington Democrats also created and posted a banner in their store front headquarters in honoring Vires.
      
      County Democrats Honor Jim Vires
Bennington County Democrats inaugurated their downtown campaign headquarters recently at a “Meet the Candidates” open house, which included Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak and a number of local candidates from across Bennington County. In addition, it was announced that the location was officially named after longtime friend, colleague, and CAT-TV camera operator Jim Vires, who died on October 15. The space at 353 Main Street in the Putnam Block is the center for rallying support for state and national Democratic candidates between now and election day on November 5. The Bennington Democrats also created and posted a banner in their storefront headquarters to honor Vires.
      
      WATCH: AAUW's 20th Anniversary Candidate Forum Brings Voters Closer to Local Candidates
The 20th Anniversary AAUW Candidate Forum in Bennington on October 22 provided local voters with an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for State Representative and State Senator. Moderated by Kathy Wagenknecht, the event fostered a civil, informative dialogue on key issues affecting the community. With the November 5 election approaching, AAUW encouraged voters to use this insight to make informed choices at the polls.
      
      Jim Vires is remembered by a town he loved
He was often the guy behind the camera at board meetings or community or political events, recording everything for CAT-TV.
But Jim Vires, who died Tuesday at 66, was more than that to the many in the Bennington area and beyond who got to know him.
      
      Press: Dems open campaign HQ in Bennington
Because of contributions from the Vermont Democratic Party and local supporters, this is the first time the Democrats have had a headquarters location in Bennington County since before the COVID-19 pandemic, said county Democratic Chair Jim Ramsey.
      
      BennDems Emerge United From Primary and Rally Around General Election Candidates
On August 14, the day after the primary election and just ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Bennington County Democrats met to unify behind local candidates as well as a national ticket led by Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.
      
      Replay: Senate Candidate Forum
Watch a recording from CAT-TV of Friday night’s Senate Candidate Forum, hosted by Queer Connect.