WINOOSKI, Vt. (WCAX) – As the state’s campaign filing deadline approaches, jockeying for legislative seats is ramping up.
Long-time Senator Jane Kitchel, D-Caledonia County, on Friday announced her retirement. Kitchel said in a statement that after 20 years in the Legislature, she’s stepping away. She has served as the chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee since 2011. She was also recently elected by members to serve on the Committee on Committees.
Her retirement could have big implications for the direction of the Legislature.
Meanwhile, long-time Vermont political journalist Stewart Ledbetter says he’s running for a state senate seat.
Ledbetter, who retired from WPTZ -TV earlier this year, on Friday announced his candidacy for the Chittenden Central District, which serves Burlington, Winooski, Essex Junction, and parts of Essex and Colchester.
Ledbetter says the issues he’s prioritizing include housing, education funding, and flood resiliency.
The Democratic Party primary is scheduled for Aug. 13.