Q&A: 2026 Candidates for Vermont Lieutenant Governor

The lieutenant governor presides over the Vermont Senate. The position is largely ceremonial — unless the governor is incapacitated or unable to serve. In that case, the LG takes over the top job. The LG also casts tie-breaking votes in the Senate.

Molly Gray

Burlington, Democrat, mollyforvt.com

Executive director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, 2023-2026; lieutenant governor of Vermont, 2021-2023

What do you hope to accomplish as LG?

Vermont remains one of the least affordable places to live despite low unemployment. Meanwhile, federal chaos and cruelty continue to threaten fundamental rights. As lieutenant governor, I would advocate for investments that actually lower costs for Vermonters — whether that’s the cost of health care, property taxes or housing.

What qualifications prepare you to step up as governor if needed?

I previously served as lieutenant governor and as an assistant attorney general. I was ready to lead during my previous term, as I am now.

How can Vermont best address the growing tax burden on residents?

Rising property taxes are making life unaffordable for too many Vermonters, and health insurance premiums are the single biggest driver of these tax increases. My plan for universal primary care would lower insurance costs, curb property tax increases and give Vermonters health care access in the communities where they live.

What’s your message to rural Vermonters upset about land-use regulations?

Vermont’s farmers, loggers and rural landowners are essential stewards of the land. I supported removing the Road Rule and proposed Tier 3 areas from the original Act 181, and I will fight to ensure that Act 250 reforms continue and that we center rural voices in all future policy making.

John S. Rodgers

Glover, Republican, rodgersforvt.com

Farmer and small business owner; 84th lieutenant governor of Vermont

What do you hope to accomplish as LG?

I want to make Vermont more affordable for working families by lowering property taxes, health care and energy costs; expanding workforce training; and creating more housing. I’ll continue working across party lines with Gov. Scott to bring common sense to Montpelier and make Vermont a place our children can afford to stay.

What qualifications prepare you to step up as governor if needed?

I’ve served Vermont in the House, Senate and as lieutenant governor, while spending my life farming, running a small business and serving my community.

How can Vermont best address the growing tax burden on residents?

We need to control state spending and tackle the underlying costs driving taxes higher, especially education, health care and energy. Vermont cannot keep asking working families to pay more. We need government to live within its means, reform our education system, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and focus every taxpayer dollar on essential services.

What’s your message to rural Vermonters upset about land-use regulations?

I hear you, and I’ve been fighting alongside you. Act 181 and its Tier 3 regulations go too far, threatening property rights and making rural Vermont less affordable. We can protect our environment without punishing farmers, landowners and rural communities. I’ll keep fighting to repeal and reform these harmful regulations.