Esther Charlestin’s Bold Move: Will This Shocking Vermont Lt. Gov. Race Change Everything?

Esther Charlestin, the former Democratic nominee for governor of Vermont, announced her candidacy for the state’s lieutenant governor position on Wednesday. This marks Charlestin as the third Democrat to enter the race this year, joining Molly Gray, who served as lieutenant governor from 2021 to 2023, and Ryan McLaren, a former top aide to Vermont’s Democratic U.S. Senator Peter Welch. The trio will face off in a primary election scheduled for August.

Current lieutenant governor, Republican John Rodgers, has expressed his intention to run for re-election, though he remains the only contender for the GOP nomination at this time.

Charlestin made history in 2024 when she became the first Black woman to secure a major party nomination for governor in Vermont and only the second in the nation. Despite her groundbreaking achievement, she lost to Republican Governor Phil Scott, who received a significant 72% of the vote compared to her 21%. For context, previous Democratic challengers against Scott also struggled to garner more than 30% of the general election vote.

In her campaign press release, Charlestin emphasized her leadership role on the Vermont Commission on Women, where she chairs a body dedicated to advising the Legislature and the governor on issues affecting women and girls. She also manages a consulting firm, showcasing her commitment to community engagement and advocacy.

“I’ve spent my entire career bridging the gap between communities,” Charlestin said in her release. “Far too many people are feeling unheard, unseen, and left out by our current leadership, so I’m running to give everyone a seat at the table.”

Her campaign is poised to focus on critical issues facing Vermonters, including access to quality education, the rising cost of living, and promoting “economic freedom.” These themes resonate deeply in a state where residents are increasingly concerned about affordability and educational opportunities.

Charlestin’s entry into the lieutenant governor race adds to a competitive Democratic field, reflecting the party's ongoing efforts to galvanize support and tackle pressing issues at both the state and national levels. With a primary election looming, the contours of the campaign will likely shape not only the future of Vermont's political landscape but also the Democratic Party's strategy as it seeks to build on Charlestin's groundbreaking candidacy and engage a broader spectrum of voters.

This announcement adds weight to an already dynamic political season in Vermont, where issues of representation and community engagement are at the forefront of candidates' platforms. As the race unfolds, all eyes will be on how candidates articulate their visions for the state and connect with an electorate that demands meaningful change.

This story was republished with permission from VtDigger, which provides local news organizations access to its reporting through its Community News Sharing Project. To learn more about their initiatives, visit vtdigger.org/community-news-sharing-project.