Vermont’s first openly LGBT State Senate Pro Tempore, Becca Balint, last night won her state’s primary to become the Democratic candidate for US Congress. If elected, Balint would become Vermont’s first woman and first openly LGBTQ person elected to federal office.
Reports AP News:
In deep-blue Vermont, it’s likely the Democratic candidate will also clinch the general election in November. A win by Balint, who is white, would help erase what some consider to be the blot on the liberal state’s reputation only being represented by white men.
Balint garnered support from the progressive wing of the state party, including independent Sen. Bernie Sanders and national progressive leaders such as Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Balint had campaigned with Sanders late last month.
Balint defeated Lt. Gov. Molly Gray, a more centrist candidate who was supported by the state’s Democratic establishment, including retiring U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy and former governors Howard Dean and Madeleine Kunin.
In a statement, Balint thanked her opponents in the primary and said she was “humbled and honored by this victory.”
“Tonight is a big step forward for our state. Vermont has chosen a bold, progressive vision for the future, and I will be proud to represent us in Congress,” Balint said. “We can preserve democracy, tackle climate change, bridge inequality, and make the health care system work for all of us. I know that we will.”
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