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Representative Becca Balint made history as the first woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to represent the state in Congress, beginning her tenure in 2023. Prior to her election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Balint served in the Vermont State Senate, where she became the first woman to hold the position of Senate President Pro Tempore. A strong advocate for working families, affordable housing, education, and LGBTQ+ rights, Balint has been a champion for progressive values and equality. Her leadership in the State Senate, where she focused on economic justice and climate action, helped shape key legislation aimed at improving the lives of Vermonters.

Amanda Janoo, an economist, systems thinker, and Strafford native, is running to be Governor of Vermont in order to create a resilient "wellbeing economy" built from the ground up. Having spent her career helping governments across the United States and internationally build stronger economies, Janoo focuses on tackling Vermont's cost-of-living crisis through bold, community-centered solutions. Her platform prioritizes publicly funding universal primary healthcare, expanding affordable housing for Vermonters rather than out-of-state investors, protecting community schools, supporting local food systems and small businesses, and deepening democracy. With a career dedicated to economic systems design and public advocacy, Janoo aims to move past managed decline, keeping wealth circulating locally and ensuring that decision-making power remains in the hands of everyday Vermonters

Molly Gray is running for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont to protect fundamental rights, lower costs, and make life better for working families. Raised on her family's farm in South Newbury, Gray learned early on that progress requires hard work and problem-solving, and that everyone has the right to live with dignity. Following her previous service as Lieutenant Governor, she grew and led the Vermont Afghan Alliance, helping Afghan allies secure housing, employment, driver's licenses, and community support. As a mother and a caregiver for her mother who battles multiple sclerosis, she brings firsthand understanding to the caregiving and economic pressures facing local households. Her campaign platform focuses on expanding affordable child and elder care, securing universal paid family and medical leave, building more housing, strengthening public schools, expanding job training, and defending Vermonters' fundamental rights

Charity Clark, Vermont’s Attorney General, is seeking reelection to continue her work as a champion for justice and consumer protection. As the first woman to hold the office, Clark has focused on protecting the rights of Vermonters, addressing issues such as criminal justice reform, environmental protection, and safeguarding consumers from fraud and exploitation. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to transparency, equity, and accountability. With a career dedicated to public service and legal advocacy, Clark aims to build on her accomplishments, ensuring that Vermont’s legal system works for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable.

Mike Pieciak, Vermont's Treasurer, is seeking reelection to continue overseeing the state’s financial health and ensuring fiscal responsibility. With a background in finance and investment management, Pieciak has prioritized the sustainable management of Vermont’s pension funds, increasing transparency in government finances, and promoting sound economic policies that benefit all Vermonters. His leadership has focused on long-term financial planning, ensuring the state’s economic stability, and advocating for smart investments in Vermont’s future. Pieciak aims to build on his record of strong fiscal stewardship, keeping Vermont’s finances secure and supporting the financial well-being of its residents.

Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Vermont's Secretary of State, is seeking reelection to continue her work in safeguarding democracy and ensuring fair, accessible elections. With a background in public service as a former state representative, she has been a strong advocate for voting rights, transparency, and modernizing the state's electoral processes. Copeland Hanzas has focused on making voting more accessible to all Vermonters and enhancing cybersecurity to protect the integrity of elections. Her leadership emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and ensuring that Vermont's government remains accountable and open to the public. If reelected, she aims to continue strengthening Vermont’s democratic processes.

Tim Ashe is running for Vermont State Auditor, seeking to use the tools of the office to find key opportunities for improvement and savings to help lawmakers and state agencies better serve Vermonters. He brings extensive public service and administrative experience, having served as Deputy State Auditor for five years, as well as a State Senator, municipal official, Congressional aide, primary health care leader, and affordable housing developer. Building on this diverse background, Ashe aims to leverage the Auditor's office to promote excellence in state government and deliver practical results for the public.

Seth Bongartz, candidate for the Vermont State Senate representing the Bennington Senate District, is a dedicated public servant with decades of experience. First elected to the Vermont House in 1981 and having served in both legislative chambers, his career spans law, non-profit consulting, and leadership as former President of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. He has also chaired the boards of Burr and Burton Academy, the Manchester Community Land Trust, and the National Development Council. In government, Bongartz has established himself as a leader in housing policy and education reform. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, he helped address chronic truancy and control school funding costs. In housing, he authored legislation requiring towns to allow duplexes and exempting downtown housing from Act 250 review. If reelected, Bongartz aims to continue expanding affordable housing, lowering healthcare costs and property tax burdens, and improving community safety.

Rob Plunkett, Vermont State Senator representing the Bennington Senate District, is seeking reelection to continue delivering practical, community-focused leadership for his region. A father of two raising his daughter and son in the house where he grew up, he served 17 years as a Bennington County prosecutor. His legal career spanned prosecuting crimes, handling child neglect and truancy cases, managing probate guardianships, and advising law enforcement. Drawing on this public service experience, Plunkett offers critical perspective on justice system reform while championing gender and reproductive rights, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and supporting quality childcare and education. In the Senate, he is committed to advancing key priorities—expanding affordable housing, lowering healthcare costs and property tax burdens, and protecting community safety—without overburdening middle-class families and small businesses. If reelected, Plunkett aims to bring focus and diligence in Montpelier to complete the urgent work started for Vermont families.

Jonathan Cooper, a candidate for State Representative for the Bennington-1 District, has lived in southwestern Vermont since 2016 with his wife, Kate, and their daughters. With over a decade of experience in community and economic development, Jonathan is focused on expanding economic opportunities for residents, enhancing public resources for rural towns, and supporting development resources for local businesses. He is running to ensure that Vermont’s legislative priorities reflect the needs of rural communities, which make up two-thirds of the state’s population. In addition to managing the Community & Economic Development program at the BCRC, Jonathan proudly serves as Board Chair of Sunrise Family Resource Center, advocating for a bright future for the children and families of the First District.

Bennington-1 has 1 seat open.

Timothy R. Corcoran II, a lifelong resident of Bennington, Vermont, is running for reelection as State Representative for the Bennington-2 District. Born and raised in Bennington, he was educated at Mt. Anthony Union High School and earned a B.A. in political science from Johnson State College. Corcoran, who is married to Corrie, brings a diverse career background, including experience in manufacturing and real estate with Mahar McCarthy Real Estate. As a dedicated public servant, he has focused on improving access to healthcare, expanding economic opportunities, and supporting education and workforce development. Corcoran is committed to ensuring Bennington remains a vibrant and thriving community, and he seeks to continue his work in the legislature, advocating for a better quality of life for all residents of Bennington-2

Bennington-2 has 2 seats open.

Will Greer, a recent graduate of Bennington College with a degree in public administration, is running for a seat in the Bennington-2 legislative district. At 21, Greer brings a fresh perspective and significant political experience, having worked with the Bennington Democratic Committee, served as secretary of the Vermont Democratic Party, and advocated for reform legislation at the Statehouse. If elected, Greer would be the youngest out LGBTQIA+ member of a state legislature in the United States. His campaign focuses on issues like sheriff department reforms, healthcare, public safety, and addressing the opioid crisis. With deep roots in rural communities and a passion for public service, Greer aims to continue the leadership that has benefited Southern Vermont while bringing a younger voice to Montpelier.

Bennington-2 has 2 seats open.

Representative David K. Durfee of Shaftsbury, Bennington County, was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives in 2018. He grew up in rural upstate New York, graduated from Williams College, and received an MBA from Cornell University. A consultant to cooperatives, non-profits, and small businesses, he was previously the General Manager of Wild Oats Market. He serves on the boards of BROC Community Action and the Mount Anthony Union High School District and was a member of the former Shaftsbury School District board and the secretary of the Neighboring Food Cooperative Association board. He and his wife Melanie have three sons.

Bennington-3 has 1 seat open.

Rob Hunter, a long-time educator and resident of Vermont for nearly 30 years, is running for a seat in the Vermont House to advocate for the needs of everyday Vermonters. With 32 years of teaching experience, including 27 at Burr and Burton Academy, Rob has seen firsthand the challenges that Vermont families face, from the rising cost of living to the complexities of raising children and navigating public education. As a husband, father, and active member of his community, he is deeply committed to issues like affordable housing, education spending, healthcare, and childcare. Rob brings a balanced, experienced voice to these conversations and is dedicated to fighting for the people of Bennington-4. In addition to his teaching career, Rob is a published poet, author, and former English Department Chair at Burr and Burton. He and his wife, Nancy, have raised two daughters and are proud to call Vermont home.

Bennington-4 has 2 seats open.

Thomas West, a U.S. Army veteran and Manchester community leader, is running for the Vermont State House to represent the Bennington-4 district. West served five years in the military as a Russian cryptologic linguist and currently works as a Project Manager at The Collaborative, coordinating regional substance use prevention and community well-being programs. His extensive record of public service includes serving as Vice Chair of the Manchester Planning Commission, a Justice of the Peace, and an elected member of the Southwest Vermont Regional Technical School District Board. Running to serve the communities of Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate, and Sunderland, West is focused on solving key regional challenges by expanding affordable housing, supporting strong local schools, strengthening workforce pathways, and lowering living costs driven by property taxes. Grounded in his lived experience as a parent and veteran, West lives in Manchester with his husband, Jonathan, and their four children

Bennington-4 has 2 seats open.

Mike Nigro, a small business owner and responsible landlord with 18 years of experience in healthcare, is running for State Representative in Bennington-5. With an MBA and the experience of starting a business while working full-time, Mike understands the value of hard work and the challenges faced by small businesses. His campaign focuses on creating a stronger small business environment, providing resources for entrepreneurs, and building the infrastructure needed to support local businesses. He is also committed to strengthening Vermont’s educational system, from early childhood through college, with a focus on expanding pathways to high-paying trades. Mike is dedicated to making Bennington a great place to work, raise a family, and educate children, and promises to work tirelessly for his district if elected again, returning to Montpelier to continue his service.

Bennington-5 has 2 seats open.

Tom Blakely, a Democratic candidate for Vermont State Representative, is running alongside fellow Democratic nominee Mike Nigro to bring practical, constituent-focused leadership to Montpelier. His platform strongly prioritizes constituent communication and accountability, committing to regular newsletters, public updates, and active listening to ensure voters directly inform his legislative work. Blakely is a staunch advocate for eliminating dark money from elections, refusing all corporate, PAC, and Super PAC donations in favor of individual contributions, while advocating for state-level legislation to restrict corporate campaign spending. Furthermore, he champions healthcare reform, supporting expanded community health centers and universal single-payer coverage to lower administrative costs and guarantee healthcare access for all Vermonters.

Bennington-5 has 2 seats open.

Mike Rice is running for reelection as State Representative for the Bennington-Rutland District, building on his strong record of service and commitment to his community. Born and raised in Upstate New York, Mike earned a BA in English with an interdisciplinary minor in Environmental Policy from the University at Albany, graduating magna cum laude. After moving to Vermont to work for a farm and cidery, he pursued a master’s degree in food and agriculture law and policy from Vermont Law School, graduating with distinction. With experience in operations for a Vermont dairy farm and working with the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) on regional policy solutions for food security, soil health, and food system equity, Mike has a deep understanding of agricultural and environmental issues. First elected to the House in 2022, he now serves on the leadership team of the Climate Solutions Caucus. Mike is focused on reforming education funding to deliver the education Vermont’s kids deserve at a cost taxpayers can afford, investing in needed housing while modernizing regulations to make building faster and more affordable, and acting on climate solutions to make communities more resilient while protecting natural resources. He lives in Dorset with his partner and is dedicated to continuing his work for the residents of Bennington and Rutland counties.

Bennington-Rutland has 1 seat open.

Jessica Van Oort is running for Vermont State Representative. Drawing on her experience in local government since 2020, Van Oort’s campaign is focused on addressing rising living costs and protecting fundamental freedoms. Her proven record in municipal governance includes helping bring high-speed internet to unserved areas, managing a geothermal HVAC grant for the town hall and library to reduce taxpayer costs, and reforming local zoning so residents can build more easily without expensive Act 250 permitting. Combining principled values with practical compromise, Van Oort’s platform emphasizes making the wealthiest pay their fair share, expanding community solar, protecting the environment and energy costs from data center demands, and supporting universal healthcare options. She also champions state-level protections for human rights, updating legal shield laws against out-of-state lawsuits, and pushing for electoral reforms.

Rutland-Bennington has 1 seat open.

Chris Morrow, a candidate for the Windham-Windsor-Bennington District, is running on a platform of practical solutions for working families and the middle class. A lifelong Vermonter and former owner of Northshire Bookstore, Chris understands the challenges of running a business, managing budgets, and navigating difficult market conditions. He believes that Vermont thrives when there are good jobs, affordable housing, and reasonable healthcare costs, and aims to address the struggles many Vermonters face in affording homes, healthcare, and childcare. With decades of experience serving on local school boards and as the founding president of Local First Vermont, Chris is committed to keeping money in the community and supporting small businesses. A graduate of the Snelling Center for Government’s Vermont Leadership Institute, he brings a deep understanding of state government and a balanced, common-sense approach to Montpelier. With a background in Environmental Policy, Chris also emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change with a scientific, practical perspective

Windham-Windsor-Bennington has 1 seat open.

Lon McClintock is seeking re-election as Probate Judge for Bennington County in the Democratic primary. With over four decades of experience serving the families and community of Bennington County—both as a practicing attorney in private practice and on the judicial bench—McClintock brings a long record of legal and public service to the office. Throughout his career, his work has been anchored by core principles of integrity, fairness, compassion, accessibility, and accountability. As Probate Judge, McClintock remains committed to maintaining a Probate Court that stays accessible and accountable to everyone it serves, providing compassionate guidance to local families navigating sensitive legal matters.

Mary C. Frost is seeking re-election as an Assistant Judge for Bennington County. First appointed by Governor Phil Scott in July 2021 and elected to a full four-year term in 2022, Frost brings decades of judicial and legal administrative experience to the role. Prior to serving on the bench, her career in the court system included roles as the Bennington Unit Clerk, Court Manager for the Criminal and Family Divisions, and over 30 years as a law firm paralegal. A resident of Shaftsbury, Frost has a long history of local civic involvement, having served as a Town Auditor, Justice of the Peace, Mt. Anthony Union School Board member, and founding member of the Mt. Anthony Lioness Club. Frost’s campaign emphasizes a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and hard work for the citizens of Bennington County.

Assistant Judge has 2 seats open.

Brian W. Peat is seeking re-election as Assistant Judge for Bennington County. A lifelong resident of Bennington and graduate of Mt. Anthony Union High School, Peat spent decades as the third-generation owner of his family business, C.L. White Glass, Inc., before retiring in 2024 to dedicate himself fully to his judicial position. Deeply committed to public safety and community service, he coached local Little League and served over three decades as an EMT and administrator with the Bennington Rescue Squad, holding roles as Captain, President, and Chairman of its Board of Directors. First elected to the bench in November 2022 alongside fellow Assistant Judge Mary Frost, Peat's duties include sitting on limited-jurisdiction family and civil cases as well as managing county administration, budget oversight, and courthouse facilities maintenance.

Assistant Judge has 2 seats open.

Erica Marthage is running for re-election as the State's Attorney, leading the office charged with the primary enforcement of Vermont's laws in southwestern Vermont. Guided by principles of integrity, professionalism, compassion, and good judgment, Marthage focuses on protecting community members while ensuring residents are treated with respect. Her office works daily alongside courts and community organizations to assist crime victims, support children in need, address the regional opiate crisis, and help individuals suffering from addiction or facing criminal charges get their lives back on track. In addition to traditional prosecution duties, Marthage actively promotes community-focused legal initiatives, including hosting drop-in expungement assistance programs to help residents clear old convictions from their records, supporting juvenile restorative justice initiatives, and leading public discussions on community safety and well-being.

James Gulley serves as Bennington County Sheriff, bringing over two decades of public service and law enforcement experience to the role. A native Vermonter who grew up in Bennington, Gulley holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Castleton State College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Norwich University. His broad background includes serving 14 years with the Bennington Police Department, two terms as Bennington County High Bailiff, Town Constable, detective with the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, and law enforcement instructor at the Southwest Vermont Career Development Center. Guided by a commitment to community-based policing, Sheriff Gulley prioritizes building public trust through active community partnerships and open communication. His leadership focuses on tackling the regional opioid crisis through targeted narcotics interdiction combined with pre-arraignment treatment and diversion programs, while maintaining strict fiscal responsibility for taxpayers.

Roscoe Harrington, a captain with the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department, is candidate for Bennington County High Bailiff. A graduate of Mount Anthony Union High School, Harrington brings extensive local law enforcement experience to the position, including 14 years with the Bennington Police Department, where he earned the rank of sergeant. Harrington views the role of High Bailiff as an essential safeguard for the county, emphasizing that his qualifications and institutional knowledge allow him to step in as Sheriff on day one without disruption to operations or public trust should the need arise. Backed by Sheriff James Gulley, Harrington promises to serve with professionalism, accountability, and dedication. A resident of Shaftsbury, he lives with his wife, Cathy, and has raised two children in the community. Building Democratic power in every corner of Bennington County. About BennDems → Explore Candidates Events News About Us Get Involved Volunteer Register to Vote Run for Office Member Portal Contact Election Headquarters 332 Main Street Bennington, Vermont Email info@benndems.org Phone (802) 440-0220 Mailing Address P.O. Box 1861 Manchester Center, VT 05255 Privacy Policy Terms of Use Accessibility Paid for by the Bennington County Democratic Committee - www.benndems.org Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee - P.O. Box 1861, Manchester Center, VT 05255 © 2026 Bennington County Democratic Committee. All Rights Reserved.