Debbie Ingram Credit: Courtesy

At least five Democrats are campaigning to fill a Chittenden County Senate seat opened up last week by the death of Sen. Sally Fox. 

The candidates include two incumbent House members, a former state party chairman, a major philanthropist and the runner-up in the 2012 race to represent Vermont’s most populous county. More contenders could yet emerge.

While the decision ultimately rests with Gov. Peter Shumlin, he is likely to choose from a list of candidates — typically three — sent to him by the Chittenden County Democratic Committee. That group plans to meet next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Fletcher Free Library to make its selection.

All five declared candidates have been calling and emailing the 80 county committee members eligible to vote. Only members who live within the district — which includes most of the county, but excludes Colchester, Huntington and Buel’s Gore — can cast a ballot.

So who’s running? Here’s the list, thus far, in alphabetical order: 

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Paul Heintz was part of the Seven Days news team from 2012 to 2020. He served as political editor and wrote the "Fair Game" political column before becoming a staff writer.

8 replies on “A Crowded Field Emerges to Replace Fox in the Senate”

  1. “Thunderdome’s simple. Get to the weapons, use them any way you can. I know you won’t break the rules, because there aren’t any. “

  2. Seems like the best person would be the person who received the party nomination, and came in 7th in the general election a year ago. I’d hate to see someone with a lot of money or power get it- just because they have money and/or power. And giving it to a sitting rep just opens up another seat that would need to be filled.

  5. Looking back to November 2012 and the campaign theme I designed for the Chitt. county senate election lets all gather round and say ABK. ANYONE BUT KISS.

  6. That would cost tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to hold a county-wide election – costs that would largely be borne by the towns in the district.
    The turnout would be abysmally low.
    And it would take so long (the legal requirements for filing period, signature gathering, primaries, etc) that by the time the election was held, most of the legislative session would be over before the replacement was sworn in. (Based on the current electionslaw timelines, it would be impossible to complete those steps in time to make a special election coincide with town meeting day….)
    With our two year terms, the Vermont system of appointing a replacement (based on recommendations from the political party of the official being replaced) is the best way to fill these vacancies when they occur – it files the spot quickly, with minimal expense, and allows voters to have their say at the next election.

  7. “I think the combination of honoring Sally’s legacy and winning in
    November is a tough one, and I think I have what it takes to do that.”
    What an odd statement.

  8. Debbie Ingram is a sterling person;bright, caring and dedicated. She was next runner up in the elections. She seems like a winner to me.

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