A retired U.S. Army veteran from Troy announced on Monday that he’ll run as a Democrat for the seat being vacated by state Sen. Sam Douglass (R-Orleans), who resigned following revelations last week that he participated in a group chat containing hateful, racist and misogynistic remarks.
Gaston Bathalon, a member of the Troy Selectboard, said in a release that he was announcing his candidacy early so voters know he plans to run a campaign to restore “public trust in public service” following Douglass’ resignation, which took effect at noon on Monday. The seat isn’t up for election until November 2026, and Gov. Phil Scott is expected to appoint a Republican to fill it until then.
“Hate has no place in our communities,” Bathalon said in the release. “This campaign isn’t about party politics or headlines — it’s about service. I’m running to make sure every family in the Kingdom can keep living, learning, and thriving right here at home.”
Douglass announced his resignation on Friday under intense pressure from Republican leaders, including Gov. Scott and Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck (R-Caledonia).
His decision came four days after Politico published a story about leaked chats of Young Republican leaders. The chats showed that Douglass responded to a message about a “very obese Indian woman,” known to some in the group, by saying, “She just didn’t bathe often.” In another instance, his wife, Brianna Douglass, made an antisemitic remark.
In his statement, Douglass said he was stepping down to protect his family and honor Scott’s call for him to resign.
Scott is expected to fill Douglass’ seat with a Republican soon. The person will serve the second year of Douglass’ two-year term.
Candidates need to file paperwork to run by May 28, 2026, in order to participate in the August 11 primary. Bathalon is getting an early jump on things, and the Democratic Party appears to have already coalesced around his candidacy.
Katherine Sims, a Democrat and former House member who lost to Douglass last year, said she will not run again in 2026 but did not rule out public service in the future.
“Gaston brings integrity, deep local roots, and a proven commitment to the Northeast Kingdom. He’ll represent Orleans County with honesty, integrity, and common sense — values that matter deeply to me and to the communities we both care about,” Sims wrote.
The press release included endorsements from former longtime Democratic senators Jane Kitchel, of Caledonia County, and Bobby Starr, of Orleans, who held Douglass’ seat for two decades.
“Up here in the Kingdom, you earn people’s trust by showing up, listening and telling the truth,” Starr said. “We’ve all seen what happens when that kind of respect goes missing, but Gaston has earned that trust: he is steady, fair, has the backbone for this work, and will keep the focus where it belongs — on the people, not himself.”
Bathalon, 67, is a Troy native and 30-year Army veteran who rose to the rank of colonel. In addition to being a member of the selectboard, he serves on the Troy School Board, the North Country Supervisory Union Board, and as Troy’s town health officer.
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