Vermont Business Magazine State Senator Becca Balint won the Democratic Party’s primary contest on Tuesday to represent Vermont in the US House of Representatives. With 61% of the vote, she beat Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray (37%), Dr Louis Meyers (2%) and Sianay Chase Clifford (1%).
Balint issued the following statement:
“I want to thank every single candidate who ran this race alongside me: Sianay Chase-Clifford, Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Dr. Louis Meyers, and Lt. Governor Molly Gray. I know just how hard it is to put yourself out there and put your name on the ballot, and I respect your devotion to public service.
“I am humbled and honored by this victory. Tonight was only possible because of people from every corner of our state who banded together to work and vote for a brighter future. To the volunteers who knocked on doors, who made phone calls, who donated to our campaign, I cannot thank you enough. This is your victory, because this has always been a movement by and for all Vermonters. And together, we made history.
“I got into public service for the same reason I became a teacher: I wanted to stand up against bullying and injustice wherever I saw it. Growing up gay, I learned what it meant to feel excluded and looked down upon, and I’ve devoted my life to trying to prevent other people from feeling that way.
“The challenges we face are immense, and too many people still live on the margins, struggling with homelessness, growing inequality, climate catastrophe, and a health care system that puts corporations before people. But tonight is a big step forward for our state. Vermont has chosen a bold, progressive vision for the future, and I will be proud to represent us in Congress. We can preserve democracy, tackle climate change, bridge inequality, and make the health care system work for all of us. I know that we will.”
At approximately 8:40 pm Tuesday, Gray called Balint to concede the Democratic nomination.
“I can say that while my disappointment is profound, so too is my gratitude for this opportunity. This was a tough race with deeply qualified candidates making their case to Vermonters,” Gray said. “If someone had told me years ago that running for Congress was something that a farm kid from Newbury could do, I wouldn’t have believed it. I look forward to continuing to serve Vermonters throughout the remainder of my term as Lt. Governor and I remain deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve this state I love so much.”
Gray announced her run for the U.S. House of Representatives on December 6, 2021.
Gray has served as Vermont’s Lieutenant Governor since January 2021. Gray said she will fulfill her term as Vermont’s 82nd Lieutenant Governor which ends January 2023.
Source: Balint and Gray campaigns. 8.9.2022
