Vermont Business Magazine The election of Democrat Phil Hoff as governor in 1962 was a watershed moment in Vermont political history. Hoff broke the GOP’s century-long hold on the governor’s office by defeating F Ray Keyser, Jr. Hoff served six high-energy years, transforming just about every aspect of the state’s life. Perhaps most significantly, he presided over the end of the the one-town, one-vote legislative rule. Hoff himself had been the lone member in the Vermont House of Representatives from Burlington. Hoff was only 38 when he was elected governor. Today, Senator Patrick Leahy announced that Hoff had died at 93.
Senator Patrick Leahy Statement On The Passing Of Former Governor Phil Hoff:
"Marcelle and I are saddened by the passing of a great Vermonter and a true leader. But we are proud of and grateful to Phil Hoff for all he has done for our state and all of its people. He and his family are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
"Any summary of Phil Hoff’s life is an exercise in superlatives. He was a visionary, a trailblazer, a reformer and a transformative influence in both Vermont and on the national stage. He was an example of political courage to so many of us. Even his Kennedy-esque style was something new and fresh. To me, he was also a mentor, and a friend.
RELATED STORY: Graff: With Phil Hoff, Vermont changed forever
"He had no patience for finger-to-the-wind politics. He put people first, and he modernized education, the judicial system and Vermont’s economic vitality in ways that have made lives better for generations of Vermonters.
"He was an early voice of opposition to the Vietnam War, at a time when the war was still popular. I was proud, like him, to support other bold leaders, like Bobby Kennedy.
"He made a real difference in our state, touching and inspiring countless lives, in countless ways. I am blessed to be one of those whose lives he touched. I will always be grateful for his life, his example, and his friendship."
Senator Bernie Sanders Statement on Passing of Phil Hoff
"Jane and I are saddened to hear of the passing of former Vermont Governor Phil Hoff. Phil Hoff was one of the great governors in Vermont history and one of the leading progressives of his era. History will remember him as a man of great courage who not only helped transform Vermont but was years ahead of his time in the fight for economic, social and racial justice. His legacy lives on."
Rep. Peter Welch Statement on Passing of Phil Hoff:
“Vermont and the nation lost a giant yesterday evening. As our first Democratic governor in modern times, Phil Hoff was a groundbreaking leader in Vermont politics. He was a kind and decent man who cared deeply about our state and those less fortunate.He was a passionate and lifelong champion for social and economic justice and an early civil rights leader. Governor Hoff became a national voice of conscience in his courageous opposition to the Vietnam War, grounded in his distinguished military service as a member of the Greatest Generation.
Phil was a mentor of mine but more importantly, he was my friend. All those whose lives he touched will miss him, but he will not be forgotten. My heart goes out to Joan and their family.”
Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson today issued the following statement:
“Today, I join with my colleagues in the Vermont House in mourning the loss of former Governor Philip H. Hoff. As a Representative, Senator, and as Governor, Hoff was known for his enthusiastic and dynamic leadership. The first Democratic Governor of Vermont since 1854, Hoff pioneered the state into a new era of governance. From establishing the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women to founding the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, Governor Hoff promoted programs that continue to positively impact Vermonters today. Governor Hoff exemplifies the best of Vermont, and his legacy will live on throughout the state for generations.”
AG TJ Donovan statement on the passing of Governor Phil Hoff:
“My condolences to Joan Hoff and the entire Hoff family. Governor Phil Hoff was a giant in Vermont politics. He was the first Democrat elected Governor in over 100 years and he ushered in a new era of progressive leadership for our state. His record of public service from WWII veteran to Governor, his humility and compassion for all, served our nation and State well. He will be missed. Rest in peace Governor Hoff.”
Click on screen shot to watch Phil Hoff interview with Chris Graff from the "Governors" series on Vermont PBS.
