I’m running for the Senate
On Monday, April 22nd, Senator Bobby Starr announced his retirement from the Vermont Senate. Senator Starr fought for us–for rural Vermonters–for over 45 years. He left a legacy that will impact generations to come.
Today I am humbled to announce my candidacy for the Orleans Senate District of the Vermont Legislature, which includes 20 towns spanning Orleans, Caledonia, and Franklin counties.
Like Starr, I work for the people, not the party. And I intend to keep fighting for the future of our communities.
How did we get here?
When I was a kid, I got to spend my summers with my grandparents on Old Farm Road, one of Vermont’s classic dirt roads. I spent all day exploring the woods, finding bugs in the yard, and swimming in the pond. I got dirty and scraped my knees. Each summer my grandma gave me a little spot in the garden to tend as my own and I fell in love. I fell in love with the work, the landscape, the culture and the people of Vermont.
I took time off from college to work at Butterworks Farm in Westfield, chatting with cows, driving tractors and sneaking fresh milk back to my cabin. And when it came time to plant roots after graduation, the only place I considered was right here in the Kingdom.
I felt a deep desire to tend the land with children like my grandma did so I started my first school garden at Jay Westfield Elementary. In the years that followed, I found my community, my favorite spots to watch the sunset, and a super cute and talented guy named Jeff.
I found the seasons and the strength and humility it takes to build a family here. And I found all the unique challenges that come with the life we love in the Kingdom.
What have we done so far?
What began with farmers and kids grew into a commitment to our communities as a whole. I couldn’t help myself– I started bringing people together to help address our common needs – internet access, childcare, support for small businesses.
Along the way I got a firsthand look at how Vermont’s most rural regions are underserved by state policies. I realized I could do my best work for the Kingdom from inside the statehouse. So, when a seat opened up and Sam asked me to run, I knew what I had to do.
I ran for office to make things better for us, not to play party politics or push my personal agenda. I will push, though–you can count on that.
Thanks to the pushing I've done so far, our district has better internet access, more state funding for schools, less red tape for small businesses and greater access to affordable childcare. Last year, I led the passage of the most significant support for our farm and forest economy in recent history. I continue to fight for affordable housing and taxation strategies that put money back in the pockets of everyday Vermonters.
Where are we headed?
I'm running for Senate because we still have a lot of work to do in the Kingdom: How will we make ends meet in this harsher economy? When our kids grow up, will they be able to make a life here? What does retirement look like? How can our communities become more sustainable without sacrificing all that makes them special?
It’s been twenty years and I’m still learning the Kingdom way. You know what our towns need. Your values and your voice guide the work I do.
I’m running for Senate to amplify our collective voices. If elected, we can do bigger, better things for our communities. We can drive change on a greater scale. We can make life better for all of us.
What's next?
The difference between this race and my first race is that I know I’m not alone. We’ve continued to grow our team with hard work and the kindness of new friends. I know we can count on you to help us land this seat.
Soon we'll have door knockin' and phone callin' to do. Meet 'n greets and lawn signs. You can get us off to a running start with a donation of any amount.
Learn more about the campaign and how to get involved here →