Republican Steven Heffernan has unseated longtime incumbent Democrat Sen. Chris Bray in their race in Addison County, signaling a shift in Vermont’s political landscape. Heffernan, a business owner and political newcomer, ran a campaign focused on affordability and criticism of his opponent’s environmental policies, including the Affordable Heat Act.
Heffernan’s victory is part of a wider trend of Republican wins against Democratic incumbents in this election, which will break the Democratic supermajority in the Legislature. He expressed the importance of balance in the political system and highlighted the need for change in response to rising property taxes and concerns about affordability.
Bray, who chaired the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, could not be reached for comment following his defeat. His opponent’s well-financed campaign, which received donations from various sources including Governor Phil Scott and heating suppliers, also played a role in the outcome.
Voters in Addison County, like Sue Brown, expressed a desire for change at the polls, citing economic anxieties and dissatisfaction with current tax policies. Heffernan’s campaign brought in over $50,000 in contributions, while Bray received over $42,000 in donations, including support from the union representing educators and renewable energy PACs.
This election reflects a shift in priorities among Vermont voters, with a focus on affordability and property taxes influencing the outcome of key races. Heffernan’s victory represents a significant win for the Republican party and a shift in the state’s political landscape.
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