Q&A: 2026 Vermont Candidates for U.S. House

Vermont elects just a single person to serve in the 435-member U.S. House of Representatives.

Becca Balint

Brattleboro, Democrat, beccabalint.com

U.S. Representative for Vermont

How should the United States end the war with Iran?

We should end this unconstitutional war using any and all pathways to doing so. In Congress, I’ve introduced legislation to stop U.S. engagement in Iran and I’ve voted against the war at every opportunity. Our troops shouldn’t be in harm’s way, and we should be focused on lowering costs.

Social Security could become insolvent as soon as 2032. What should be done?

We protect Social Security by having billionaires and millionaires pay their fair share, and we need to reject any benefit cuts that would hurt Vermonters.

How do you evaluate ongoing deportation efforts?

I’ve done ICE oversight for Congress in Vermont and across the country, and what I’ve seen from ICE and Border Patrol has been inhumane and un-American. They’ve broken laws, terrorized our immigrant neighbors and killed American citizens. We need to strengthen legal immigration pathways, protect due process and dismantle ICE.

The national debt has topped $40 trillion. How should the U.S. address this?

We should be more strategic about how we fund the government. Defense contractors and corporate billionaires are getting ever-fatter pockets, while working people struggle and the programs that support them shrivel. The rich need to pay their fair share, and we need to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Gerald Malloy

Weathersfield, Republican, deploymalloy.com

Retired U.S. Army officer/business development executive

How should the United States end the war with Iran?

Immediate agreement to a ceasefire and earnest negotiations to a binding peace agreement, including U.S. inspections to ensure Iran is not developing nuclear weapons. I have served in nuclear surety positions and Iran harbors terrorists — for the U.S. and world to be a much safer place, Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.

Social Security could become insolvent as soon as 2032. What should be done?

Stop reelecting career politicians that receive annual SSA reports outlining insolvency but never address it. Invest $1.3 trillion tariff “dividend” into trusts; re-shore U.S. production.

How do you evaluate ongoing deportation efforts?

I do not support efforts to deport every person that is not fully documented. I do support deporting criminals/drug dealers. I support long-overdue immigration reform based on former U.S. representative Barbara Jordan’s (D-Texas) framework; I will sponsor and work across the aisle to see it through to law.

The national debt has topped $40 trillion. How should the U.S. address this?

As a crisis. 26 years in the red (career politicians), 100%+ GDP, interest $1T+/year, leveraging future generations/economy: irresponsible, unsustainable. The answer is simple: Reduce spending, including foreign programs/defense, balanced budget (Clinton), don’t elect tax and spend Democrats/Progressives/Socialists. Term limits.

Adam Ortiz

Newport City, Independent

U.S. Army veteran

How should the United States end the war with Iran?

I’m going to do everything I can to keep as many service members bored! I deployed to Baghdad in Iraq, then Kabul, Afghanistan. I want the next generation to come home with all 10 fingers and toes. Now I understand that anyone that has never been in a regular street fight should not be making decisions having to do with matters of aggression!

Social Security could become insolvent as soon as 2032. What should be done?

I’m one guy, so understand I don’t get final say. An option is a mandatory savings account where you get out what you put in and a survivor named as the beneficiary in the event of not reaching retirement.

How do you evaluate ongoing deportation efforts?

It’s just a fancy way of saying exile. What is the most expensive one-way flight; how much is one year in jail? Emergencies happen, but if you don’t have manners and break the law, you are making things hard for everyone else. I’ll lobby to streamline as much as possible.

The national debt has topped $40 trillion. How should the U.S. address this?

Things are as there are because people who no one will remember in a positive manner knew they didn’t have long left and left a mess for the living. If we only had just one person in government that understood the art of the deal. We might be able to renegotiate most of this.

Suzanne “Suz” Seymour

Highgate, Independent, ruokvt.com

Massage therapist

How should the United States end the war with Iran?

Peace through diplomacy is the best way. Congress should use its constitutional war powers if we aren’t protecting our own interests/country. Let’s negotiate a resolution on Iran’s nuclear capabilities and bring our soldiers home. Vermonters understand that pursuing peace, not endless wars, requires fortitude and courage.

Social Security could become insolvent as soon as 2032. What should be done?

Americans who have paid into this system must not be forgotten. Congress must pursue vigorous audits to see how the money has been mismanaged.

How do you evaluate ongoing deportation efforts?

I support legal immigration. I believe it is disrespectful to those individuals who waited years to become official citizens to allow others in without proper checks and balances. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been known to show excessive force, which cannot be tolerated in a civil society.

The national debt has topped $40 trillion. How should the U.S. address this?

Spending caps. Policies that encourage economic growth. Fiscal responsibility. Fraud audits. Reduce/freeze Congress’s salaries until they learn to pass a balanced budget, as leaders should lead by example. Small businesses have to live within their means everyday, or they are forced to close. Congress must do the same.

Editor’s note: Candidates Phoenix K. Altair and Ryan P. Walton, both independents, did not provide answers for this Q&A.