BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The winners of the two of the most-watched contested primaries, David Zuckerman and John Rodgers will go head to head in November.
The Lieutenant Governor races were seen as somewhat of a bellwether for the direction of the Democratic and Republican parties with the stage now set for November.
In the primary race for Vermont’s number two, incumbent progressive democrat David Zuckerman beat out moderate democrat Thomas Renner, cinching the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor.
Zuckerman says he wants to continue advocating for Vermonters at the statehouse and focusing on issues of climate, labor issues, and housing.
“Going out and advocating for working-class folks whether it’s affordable housing, working on property tax adjustments, and making the system more efficient,” said Zuckerman.
Meanwhile, on the GOP ticket, longtime farmer and democratic-senator-turned-republican John Rodgers beat out his opponent Gregory Thayer, an ardent supporter of former President Trump.
Rodgers says Montpelier’s new taxes and fees are hurting working Vermonters, and gentrification is pricing them out of their communities.
“I want to be able to bring Vermonters’ voice back to the statehouse. Average Vermonters, not the rich people and businesses that can afford lobbyists,” said Rodgers.
The two candidates now set their sights on November.
Zuckerman and Rodgers are already sharpening their lines of criticism and planning to hit the campaign trail to show Vermonters why they should be the second in command.
In a debate over what the role of government should be in meeting Vermonters needs for housing, health care, and more.
‘I think that will be part of the debate is do we need to invest in Vermonters and the cost of living and housing or do we step back and let the free market reign,” said Zuckerman.
“I didn’t hear him pushing back against any of the bills that just added billions of dollars a year to the cost of living for Vermonters,” said Rodgers.
These results are currently unofficial. The Secretary of State’s office will issue the final count in the coming days.