BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont’s primary election is just three weeks away and two candidates — David Zuckerman and Thomas Renner — are seeking the Democratic nomination in the race for Vermont lieutenant governor.
Originally from Massachusetts, Vermont Lt. Governor David Zuckerman attended the University of Vermont in the ‘90s and went on to work for Bernie Sanders in Washington before serving in the Statehouse. He’s currently in his second stint as lt. governor after an unsuccessful run for governor four years ago.
The Progressive-Democrat says he wants another term in office to amplify the voices of Vermonters and focus on housing, climate change mitigation, and issues of intellectual freedom typified by book bans. “It’s a range of economic issues, climate issues, and social justice and democracy,” Zuckerman said.
With more turnover in the Senate, Zuckerman says his experience and institutional knowledge of Statehouse decorum sets him apart.
“To both navigate a difficult discussion in the moment and step aside with senators — especially new ones — to talk about what happened on the flood, to talk about what happened, what did you see and what are the undercurrents that you may not have seen,” Zuckerman said.
But Zuckerman’s challenger, Winooski Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner, says that– in part — is why change is needed. “I think the message that we want in Vermont is the message of being accepting of diverse folks, encouraging young people to run, and moving forward, accepting change and doing something new in Montpelier,” he said.
Renner has worked for Congresswoman Becca Balint and former Senator Patrick Leahy. As the more moderate of the two candidates, Renner has earned endorsements from several state senators and a number of Burlington City Council members.
“Pragmatic progressivism — You have to have these ideals of democratic values that we love and cherish, that we want to move forward. But to get those forward, you have to work with everybody,” Renner said.
He says building more housing of all types so the next generation of Vermonters can stay in the state is his top priority.
The lieutenant governor in Vermont runs on a separate ticket than the governor. They preside over the Senate, casting tie-breaking serving on a special panel that selects committee chairs. They are also charged with stepping in when the governor can’t do their job.
Both candidates will face off in a WCAX debate next Wednesday, July 31, from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.
The primary is on August 13 and more information on voting can be obtained from the Vermont Secretary of State’s website or your local town clerk.