MONTPELLIER, Vermont — Vermont Senator Becca Balintwill vote for the Democratic Party to win Vermont's only seat on Tuesday. I won the primary election. That means she could become the first woman and the first openly gay person to represent the state in Congress. Probability is high. A victory for Balint, who is white, would help clean up what is seen as a blemish on the reputation of a liberal nation represented exclusively by white men.11}
Balint drew support from progressives in state parties, including independent Senator Bernie Sandersand national progressive leaders such as Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington. I was. , Chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Balint was campaigning with Sanders late last month.
Balint is a more moderate candidate endorsed by the state's Democratic establishment, which includes retired U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, former governors Howard Dean and Madeleine Cnin. Defeated Governor Gray Middle Road.
In a statement, Balint thanked his opponents in the primary, "I am humbled and honored by this victory."
"Tonight is a big step forward for our state. Vermont has chosen a bold and progressive vision for the future. , is proud to represent us in Congress. “We can sustain democracy, tackle climate change, close inequalities and make our health system work for all of us.
In his concession speech, Gray said he called Balint to congratulate him on his victory.
"My disappointment. is serious, but I appreciate his opportunity," Gray said. "This was a tough race with a very talented candidate claiming Vermont."
Vermont voters also elected Democratic US Congressman Peter Welch , who has held the seat since 1975 Leahy's replacement was the last of Congress' so-called Watergate babies. Welch's decision to run for a seat in the Senate left a vacancy in his three-member congressional delegation in Vermont for the first time since 2006.
Welch easily defeated two of his lesser-known candidates to advance to the November general election. During his years in Congress, Welch was one of Vermont's top voters and would be the odds-on favorite to win the general election.
Welch will face Gerald Malloy, a retired U.S. Army officer who defeated former U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan in Tuesday's Republican Senate primary. Malloy believes he can win in November, but since the late Senator Jim Jeffers left the Republican Party in 2001 to become an independent, transferring control of the Senate from Republicans to Democrats, Republicans have been out of control. Does not represent Washington state.
Incumbent Republican Governor Phil Scott} also defeated two candidates to win the party's primary election while also seeking his fourth term. The only candidate for the Democratic nomination is New Fein activist Brenda Siegel. Last fall, she spent her 27 nights sleeping on the steps of the Vermont State Capitol,[87][86] to highlight the state's homelessness problem.
Liam Madden, a Marine Corps veteran and self-proclaimed anti-traditional candidate, defeated his Erica Redic in Burlington and Anya Tynio in his Charletsson in the Republican primary. won.
Madden said he was an independent and was considering withdrawing his nomination if elected — so the party could replace his November vote. Until you know you can choose.