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. The current LG, Republican John Rodgers, is seeking reelection this fall. Three Democrats are vying for the nomination to challenge him.
Information was provided by the candidates.
Esther Charlestin
South Burlington, charlestinforvermont.com
Consultant and former Middlebury Selectboard member
Why are you running for the Democratic nomination for LG?
Vermont is at a turning point. As an educator, small business owner and chair of the Vermont Commission on Women, I’ve spent my career building bridges. I’m running because people need a lieutenant governor who turns listening into action on everyday costs, education and economic freedom for every Vermonter.
What’s the most pressing problem that the state must address?
Vermont’s economy must work for everyone. Everyday costs are crushing communities and families, limiting the freedom to thrive here.
Realistically, what can a lieutenant governor accomplish?
In Vermont, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor presides over the Senate, breaks tied votes and succeeds the governor. But real impact comes from convening communities, elevating voices and building trust across differences. I’ll use every tool of the office to move Vermont forward on everyday costs, education and economic freedom.
How has your experience prepared you for this role?
Teaching taught me to meet people where they are. Family reunification work taught me to listen to all perspectives. Facilitation taught me to build bridges across differences. Civic service taught me how government works. Together these experiences make me ready to convene, preside and lead as Vermont’s next lieutenant governor.
Molly Gray
Burlington, mollyforvt.com
Executive director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, 2023-2026; lieutenant governor of Vermont, 2021-2023
Why are you running for the Democratic nomination for LG?
Vermont remains one of the least affordable places to live despite low unemployment. Meanwhile federal chaos and cruelty continue to threaten fundamental rights. I’m running for lieutenant governor to protect the rights of every Vermonter, make life better for working families and advance public investments that actually lower costs.
What’s the most pressing problem that the state must address?
Skyrocketing health care costs that are impacting education spending and, in turn, property taxes, together with a lack of affordable housing.
Realistically, what can a lieutenant governor accomplish?
There are no ceremonial offices. The lieutenant governor can work with other state leaders to hold the line against federal overreach, partner with the legislature to advance real solutions for working families struggling to afford health care and find housing, and give every Vermonter a voice in Montpelier.
How has your experience prepared you for this role?
I served as lieutenant governor from 2021-2023 and previously as an assistant attorney general. Since then, I led the Vermont Afghan Alliance, helping 650 Afghan allies resettle. A mom, caregiver and from rural Vermont, I’ve spent my career fighting for fundamental rights and have the experience to meet this moment.
Ryan McLaren
Essex Junction, mclarenforvermont.com
Former senior adviser to U.S. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.); current Essex Junction justice of the peace; former school board member.
Why are you running for the Democratic nomination for LG?
I’m running because of my parents. They were working people who were able to raise a family in Vermont. Today, too many families like mine can’t make ends meet. Our state should be a place where we all have the opportunity not just to get by but to thrive.
What’s the most pressing problem that the state must address?
We must tackle the affordability crisis, starting with high housing and health care costs that are pushing working people out.
Realistically, what can a lieutenant governor accomplish?
I’m running to bring your voice to Montpelier. I’ll travel the state, bring people together, and push government to act with urgency on housing, health care, childcare and affordability. The job is what you make it — I’ll reinvigorate the lieutenant governor’s office as the people’s advocate in Montpelier.
How has your experience prepared you for this role?
I’ve served in AmeriCorps, on local school boards, in a leadership role in state government and alongside U.S. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.). I know what it takes to get things done and persevere. I’ve also confronted a life-changing spinal cord injury. We need leaders who know the hardship Vermonters are facing.
This article appears in 2026 Primary Election Voters’ Guide.
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