Vermont Business Magazine Sarah Copeland Hanzas won the Democratic primary Tuesday for Vermont Secretary of State in the closest of the major races. Copeland Hanzas received 43% of the vote, Chris Winters received 41% and John Odum received 16%.
Copeland Hanzas issued the following statement this morning regarding her victory in the Democratic nomination:
“I’m so deeply honored and humbled to have received the Democratic nomination for the office of the Vermont Secretary of State.
"Thank you to John Odum and Chris Winters for running admirable campaigns and for your commitment to Vermonters and Vermont's democracy.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who dedicated their time to this campaign. This work has been fueled by so much love and support from Vermonters from all corners of the state and this would not have been possible without each of you. I also want to give special thanks to my campaign manager, Lizzy Carroll, who has been an integral part of this campaign since day one.
“Now more than ever electing champions of democracy is crucial. I stepped up to run for Vermont Secretary of State to continue my commitment to strengthening, protecting and preserving Vermont's democracy and to ensure that Vermonters have their voices heard in elections.
“Throughout my tenure in the legislature, I have worked to advance policies that strengthen our democracy, protect the climate, and advance social and economic justice. As your next secretary of state, I will carry this commitment and these values with me and will continue to work hard every day, across the aisle, to prioritize election reforms that put civic engagement and voter accessibility at the forefront and to protect and strengthen our democracy.
“In a time when democracy is under threat across the country, Vermont can and should lead the way. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent every Vermonter and to ensure Vermont will be a beacon of hope for this state and the nation.
After reviewing unofficial election night reporting data and final calls from media outlets, Deputy Secretary of State Chris Winters conceded to Representative Sarah Copeland Hanzas in the Democratic primary for the Secretary of State nomination. On Wednesday morning, he called Copeland Hanzas to offer his congratulations and support. He said they had a brief, but warm conversation.
“This race has been an amazing journey. It has been a privilege to even be in the position to run for statewide office. Of course I am disappointed in the outcome, but I feel incredibly grateful to my family, and to the team who have supported me throughout this process. I am looking forward to whatever opportunities come next. I’ve worked with Representative Copeland Hanzas in the legislature for years and I believe she is deeply committed to public service, as well as to many of the issues I am also passionate about. I wish her success and will help ensure a smooth transition.
"I want to share my utmost respect and gratitude to Secretary Jim Condos and Deb Markowitz for their mentorship and friendship. I have the same deep appreciation for the many amazing colleagues I have had the pleasure of serving with in the Secretary of State’s office for the last 25 years. It is a special place and I will miss working there.”
Bradford, VT. — Sarah Copeland Hanzas & Winters Campaigns 8.10.2022.
