BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The winners of the two most closely watched primaries, David Zuckerman and John Rodgers, will face off in November.
The race for the office of lieutenant governor was seen as a harbinger of the direction of the Democratic and Republican parties, as the stage is now set for November.
In the primary for second place in Vermont, incumbent progressive Democrat David Zuckerman defeated moderate Democrat Thomas Renner and secured the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.
Zuckerman says he wants to continue to advocate for Vermonters’ interests at the Statehouse, focusing on climate, jobs and housing issues.
“We go out and advocate for the interests of the working class, whether it’s affordable housing, adjusting property taxes or making the system more efficient,” Zuckerman said.
Meanwhile, on the Republican ticket, longtime farmer and Democratic Senator John Rodgers defeated his opponent Gregory Thayer, an ardent supporter of former President Trump.
Rodgers says Montpelier’s new taxes and fees are hurting working Vermonters and that gentrification is pushing them out of their communities.
“I want to bring the voice of Vermonters back to the Legislature. The voice of average Vermonters, not the voice of rich people and corporations who can afford lobbyists,” Rodgers said.
The two candidates now have their sights set on November.
Zuckerman and Rodgers are already stepping up their criticism and plan to use the election campaign to show the citizens of Vermont why they should be the president’s representatives.
In a debate about what role the government should play in meeting the needs of Vermonters for housing, health care, etc.
“I think part of the debate is going to be whether we need to invest in the people of Vermont and lower the cost of living and housing or whether we need to step back and let the free market take over,” Zuckerman said.
“I have not heard him oppose any of the bills that have increased the cost of living for Vermonters by billions of dollars every year,” Rodgers said.
These results are currently unofficial. The Secretary of State’s office will release the final numbers in the next few days.
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