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In a significant shift of power, the Democratic supermajority in the Vermont House has been lost as Republicans gained 18 seats in the 150-member chamber on Election Day. This reshaping of power dynamics will prevent Democrats and Progressives, who now hold a total of 92 seats, from overriding Republican Governor Phil Scott’s vetoes. Additionally, three independents won races, further diversifying the makeup of the House.
The loss of two committee chairs, including Rep. Diane Lanpher who chaired the House Appropriations Committee, was a tough blow for Democrats. Lanpher came in third in her district’s race, just 17 votes behind the second-place finisher. Another Democratic committee chair, Rep. Mike McCarthy, also lost his bid for reelection.
Vermont Republican Party Chair Paul Dame attributed the GOP’s success to voters wanting to see Democrats work more closely with Governor Scott. The outcomes of the election were met with disappointment by House Speaker Jill Krowinski, who acknowledged the difficulty of the losses but reassured Vermonters that the Democrats still have their backs.
Overall, several Democratic incumbents were unseated on Election Day, ultimately leading to a more balanced and diverse representation in the Vermont House. The Vermont Democratic Party’s messaging was overshadowed by the GOP’s emphasis on cutting taxes, which proved to be more effective in winning over voters.
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Photo credit vtdigger.org
