2024 Vermont lieutenant gubernatorial election
{{Short description|none}}
{{use mdy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2024 Vermont lieutenant gubernatorial election
| country = Vermont
| type = presidential
| ongoing = y
| previous_election = 2022 Vermont lieutenant gubernatorial election
| previous_year = 2022
| next_election = 2026 Vermont lieutenant gubernatorial election
| next_year = 2026
| election_date = November 5, 2024
January 9, 2025 (contingent election)
| image1 = John S. Rodgers, 2024.jpg
| nominee1 = John Rodgers
| party1 = Republican Party (United States)
| alliance1 =
| popular_vote1 = 171,854
| percentage1 = 48.76%
| image2 = David Zuckerman, 2024.jpg
| nominee2 = David Zuckerman
| party2 = Vermont Progressive Party
| alliance2 = Democratic Party (United States)
| electoral_vote2 = 18
| popular_vote2 = 165,876
| percentage2 = 47.07%
| map_image = {{switcher
|County results
|Municipality results}}
| map_size = 220px
| map_caption = Rodgers: {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}}
Zuckerman: {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}
Tie: {{legend0|#D2B1D9|40–50%}} {{legend0|#808080|No votes}}
| title = Lieutenant Governor
| before_election = David Zuckerman
| before_party = Vermont Progressive Party
| after_election = John Rodgers
| after_party = Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{Elections in Vermont}}
The 2024 Vermont lieutenant gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2024. Republican former state Senator John Rodgers defeated incumbent Progressive Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman who was running for re-election to a fourth non-consecutive term in office.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Shaun |date=2024-08-14 |title=David Zuckerman, John Rodgers win Vermont's lieutenant governor primaries |url=https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/13/david-zuckerman-john-rodgers-win-vermont-lieutenant-governor-primaries/ |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=VTDigger |language=en-US}}
The election was held concurrently with the 2024 U.S. presidential election, as well as elections to the United States Senate and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Primary elections took place on August 13, 2024.{{Cite web |title=2024 State Primary Election Dates |url=https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/2024-state-primary-election-dates |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=www.ncsl.org}}
Zuckerman conceded to Rodgers on November 7, but suggested that the legislature could still elect him as the Constitution of Vermont allows lawmakers to vote to install any of the top three vote-getters in an election when no candidate reaches 50 percent of the vote. On January 9, 2025, the Vermont General Assembly elected Rodgers by a vote of 158 to 18. This marked the first time since 2008 that Vermont had a Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the same party.
{{toclimit|3}}
Progressive primary
=Candidates=
==Withdrew after nomination==
- Zoraya Hightower, former Burlington city councilor{{Cite web|url=https://www.mynbc5.com/article/progressive-zoraya-hightower-has-no-intentions-of-campaigning-for-lieutenant-governor-despite-being-on-the-ballot/61009936|title=Progressive Zoraya Hightower has no intentions of campaigning for lieutenant governor; despite being on the ballot|last=Boronski|first=Tyler|date=June 6, 2024|access-date=August 21, 2024|publisher=WPTZ|website=mynbc5.com|quote=She plans to withdraw from the race after the primaries regardless of the results. Even if Zuckerman loses the Democratic race, if she withdraws, the party can nominate him as their replacement Progressive candidate.}}{{cite news |work=VTDigger |access-date=August 21, 2024 |url=https://vtdigger.org/2024/08/21/with-primary-results-certified-vermonts-2024-candidates-are-set/ |date=August 21, 2024 |author=Mearhoff, Sarah |title=With primary results certified, Vermont’s 2024 candidates are set}}
==Replacement nominee==
=Results=
{{Election box begin no change
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Progressive Party
| candidate = Zoraya Hightower
| votes = 257
| percentage = 62.08
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Progressive Party
| candidate = Undervotes{{efn|name=blank|Blank ballots}}
| votes = 72
| percentage = 17.39
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Democratic Party
| candidate = David Zuckerman (write-in)
| votes = 55
| percentage = 13.29
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 29
| percentage = 7.01
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Progressive Party
| candidate = Overvotes
| votes = 1
| percentage = 0.24
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 414
| percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box end}}
Democratic primary
=Candidates=
==Nominee==
- David Zuckerman,{{efn|name=Zuckerman|Zuckerman is a member of the Progressive Party, but also runs with the Democratic Party's nomination via Vermont's electoral fusion system}} lieutenant governor (2017–2021, 2023–2025){{cite news |date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=VTDigger |url=https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/02/david-zuckerman-is-seeking-reelection-to-lieutenant-governors-office/ |author=Mearhoff, Sarah |title=David Zuckerman is seeking reelection to lieutenant governor's office}}
==Eliminated in primary==
- Thomas Renner, deputy mayor of Winooski{{cite news |work=VTDigger |access-date=May 17, 2024 |url=https://vtdigger.org/2024/05/16/winooski-deputy-mayor-announces-bid-for-lieutenant-governor/ |date=May 16, 2024 |author=McDonald, Corey |title=Winooski deputy mayor announces bid for lieutenant governor}}
=Endorsements=
{{Endorsements box
| title = Thomas Renner
| width = 50em
| list =
State legislators
- Christopher Bray, state senator{{cite news |url=https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/25/a-newcomer-takes-on-a-statehouse-veteran-in-the-democratic-primary-for-lieutenant-governor/ |date=July 25, 2024 |work=VTDigger |access-date=July 30, 2024 |author=Robinson, Shaun |title=A newcomer takes on a Statehouse veteran in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor}}
- Kesha Ram Hinsdale, state senator
- Kitty Toll, former state representative (Renner's campaign treasurer)
}}
{{Endorsements box
| title = David Zuckerman
| width = 50em
| list =
State legislators
Organizations
}}
=Campaign=
Renner largely avoided criticizing Zuckerman, instead pointing to the representation he would bring to the role as a black gay man. Renner also promised not to "switch parties or add other party affiliations after the primary," which VTDigger interpreted as a dig against Zuckerman's membership in the Vermont Progressive Party. Renner described himself as "progressive, with a small 'p'." Zuckerman ran on his experience, pointing to the many years he served in the state legislature before his election as lieutenant governor.
Zuckerman outraised Renner significantly, taking in over $111,000 compared to roughly $43,000 for Renner. VTDigger pointed out that more than a third of Renner's fundraising came from wealthy Republicans; Renner claimed that these donations were unsolicited and came as a surprise to him.
=Results=
{{Election box begin no change
|title = Democratic primary{{Cite web|url=https://electionresults.vermont.gov/#/|title=Lieutenant Governor|author=Secretary of State of Vermont|date=August 13, 2024|access-date=August 21, 2024|website=electionresults.vermont.gov}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Democratic Party
| candidate = David Zuckerman (incumbent)
| votes = 28,729
| percentage = 55.28
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Democratic Party
| candidate = Thomas Renner
| votes = 18,838
| percentage = 36.25
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Democratic Party
| candidate = Undervotes{{efn|name=blank}}
| votes = 3,760
| percentage = 7.24
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 603
| percentage = 1.16
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Democratic Party
| candidate = Overvotes
| votes = 39
| percentage = 0.08
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 51,969
| percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box end}}
Republican primary
=Candidates=
==Nominee==
==Eliminated in primary==
=Endorsements=
{{Endorsements box
| title = John Rodgers
| width = 50em
| list =
Statewide officials
- Phil Scott, Governor of Vermont{{cite news |work=Milton Independent |access-date=August 9, 2024 |url=https://www.miltonindependent.com/elections/john-s-rodgers-looks-for-republican-nod-for-lt-governor-says-hes-an-average-vermonter/article_74eabfa7-0bbd-5274-922c-1cddb53fb414.html |author=Higdon, Bridget |date=August 8, 2024 |title=John S. Rodgers looks for Republican nod for Lt. Governor, says he's an 'average Vermonter'}}
}}
=Campaign=
Rodgers campaigned as a moderate, saying he does not plan to vote for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Thayer positioned himself as the more conservative candidate, calling himself "the only Republican in this race."{{cite news |work=VTDigger |access-date=July 30, 2024 |author=Robinson, Shaun |url=https://vtdigger.org/2024/07/26/vermonts-republican-lieutenant-governor-primary-puts-party-affiliation-to-the-test/ |date=July 26, 2024 |title=Vermont's Republican lieutenant governor primary puts party affiliation to the test}}
=Results=
{{Election box begin no change
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Republican Party
| candidate = John Rodgers
| votes = 13,840
| percentage = 55.39
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Republican Party
| candidate = Gregory Thayer
| votes = 8,619
| percentage = 34.50
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Republican Party
| candidate = Undervotes{{efn|name=blank}}
| votes = 2,257
| percentage = 9.03
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 234
| percentage = 0.94
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Republican Party
| candidate = Overvotes
| votes = 35
| percentage = 0.14
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 24,985
| percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box end}}
General election
= Candidates =
- Ian Diamondstone, trade consultant (Green Mountain Peace and Justice){{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Megan |title=Vermont Voter Guide: Who is running for lieutenant governor? |url=https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/09/16/here-are-the-vermont-candidates-for-lieutenant-governor/74991369007/ |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Burlington Free Press |language=en-US}}
- John Rodgers, former Democratic state senator (2013–2021) (Republican)
- David Zuckerman,{{efn|name=Zuckerman|Zuckerman is a member of the Progressive Party, but also runs with the Democratic Party's nomination via Vermont's electoral fusion system}} lieutenant governor (2017–2021, 2023–2025) (Progressive, Democratic)
=Results=
On November 5, Rodgers received a plurality of the vote over Zuckerman.{{Cite web |first1=Paul |last1=Heintz |first2=Shaun |last2=Robinson |date=2024-11-07 |title=David Zuckerman concedes lieutenant governor’s race to John Rodgers — but with a caveat |url=https://vtdigger.org/2024/11/07/david-zuckerman-concedes-lieutenant-governors-race-to-john-rodgers-but-with-a-caveat/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=VTDigger |language=en-US}}
{{Election box begin no change
|title = 2024 Vermont lieutenant gubernatorial election{{cite web |title=2024 General Election Canvass Report |url=https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/Elections%20Division/election%20info%20and%20resources/elections%20results%20and%20data/2024%20General%20Election%20Canvass%20Report%20-%20SUMMARY-1.pdf |website=VT SOS |access-date=10 December 2024}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Republican Party
| candidate = John Rodgers
| votes = 171,854
| percentage = 48.76%
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party = Progressive/Democratic
| color = {{party color|Vermont Progressive Party}}
| candidate = David Zuckerman (incumbent)
| votes = 165,876
| percentage = 47.07%
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
|party =Green Mountain Peace and Justice Party
|color ={{party color|Liberty Union Party}}
|candidate =Ian Diamondstone
|votes = 13,671
|percentage = 3.88%
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 1,013
| percentage = 0.29%
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 352,414
| percentage = 100.00%
}}
{{Election box gain with party link no swing
| winner = Republican Party (United States)
| loser = Vermont Progressive Party
}}
{{Election box end}}
=Contingent election=
Because the Constitution of Vermont requires a majority vote for election as lieutenant governor, the Vermont General Assembly voted on January 9, 2025, to determine the winner. Although the General Assembly has always voted to ratify the winner of the popular vote since 1976, Diamondstone has urged the General Assembly to elect Zuckerman on the grounds that a majority of voters supported the two more liberal candidates in the race. Zuckerman conceded the popular election on November 7, 2024, but expressed agreement with Diamondstone's argument and said he would "point out those facts" to the legislators, though he said he would not make a "strong effort" on his own behalf and "[didn't] think [the Assembly was] going to decide to do that". The Green Mountain Peace and Justice Party called on the legislature to elect Zuckerman.{{cite web |title=David Zuckerman (mostly) concedes the lieutenant governor’s race |url=https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2024-11-07/david-zuckerman-mostly-concedes-lieutenant-governors-race |website=Vermont Public |access-date=18 November 2024}} Ultimately, the legislature chose to elect Rodgers despite these calls.
{{Election box begin no change
|title = 2024 Vermont lieutenant gubernatorial contingent election
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Vermont Republican Party
| candidate = John Rodgers
| votes = 158
| percentage = 87.77%
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
| party = Progressive/Democratic
| color = {{party color|Vermont Progressive Party}}
| candidate = David Zuckerman (incumbent)
| votes = 18
| percentage = 10.23%
}}
{{Election box candidate no change
|party = Green Mountain Peace and Justice Party
|color = {{party color|Liberty Union Party}}
|candidate = Ian Diamondstone
|votes = 0
|percentage = 0%
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes =
| percentage =
}}
{{Election box end}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
Official campaign websites
- [https://www.rodgersforvt.com/ John Rodgers (R) for Lieutenant Governor]
- [https://www.zuckermanforvt.com/ David Zuckerman (P) for Lieutenant Governor]
{{2024 United States elections}}