Elected Officials
Federal
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Bernie Sanders
U.S. Senator
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Bernie Sanders is serving his second term in the U.S. Senate after winning re-election in 2012 with 71 percent of the vote. His previous 16 years in the House of Representatives make him the longest-serving independent member of Congress in American history. Born in 1941 in Brooklyn, Sanders attended James Madison High School, Brooklyn College, and the University of Chicago. After graduating in 1964, he moved to Vermont. -
Peter Welch
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State
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Charity Clark
Attorney General
Charity Clark is the first woman elected Attorney General in Vermont's history. In 2005, Charity’s legal career began as an associate at Downs Rachlin Martin in Burlington and later at Orrick in New York City. Charity was hired as an Assistant Attorney General in the Public Protection Division by former Attorney General Bill Sorrell in 2014. She served as Chief of Staff under Attorney General T.J. Donovan from 2018 to 2021.
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Mike Pieciak
Treasurer
Mike Pieciak previously served six years as the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), where he was first appointed by Governor Peter Shumlin in 2016 and reappointed by Governor Phil Scott in 2017. Mike also served as deputy commissioner of DFR’s Securities Division, where he led the division’s investigation into the Jay Peak EB-5 projects.
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Sarah Copeland Hanzas
Secretary of State
Sarah Copeland Hanzas served in the State House, where she was the leader on climate action, increasing access to the ballot box and improved government transparency. Her 2018 legislation was called the strongest in the nation. She served as House Majority Leader and as the Chair of the Government Operations Committee. She has served on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
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Doug Hoffer
Auditor
Doug Hoffer of Burlington was elected State Auditor in 2012. He was born September 3, 1951, in New Rochelle, New York and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut. He has also lived in the Berkshires, Central Florida, Baltimore, and Los Angeles. Doug was educated at Williams College (B.A.) and SUNY Buffalo School of Law (J.D., Magna Cum Laude).
Bennington County
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Sen. Seth Bongartz
At-Large
Senator Seth B. Bongartz of Manchester was elected to the Bennington Senate District in 2024 after representing Bennington-4 in the Vermont House in 2020. His election in 2020 marks his third stint in the legislature, having served in the House from 1981 – 1985 and the Senate from 1987 – 1989, when he did not seek re-election because of the pending birth of a child. An attorney, he spent eleven years practicing law until taking the job as President of Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, which he and his dedicated staff transformed from a house museum to a 412-acre, world-class cultural heritage site. He retired at the end of 2019 after 18 years. He is currently a principal in the consulting firm of Gubb & Bongartz, which focuses on helping Vermont non-profits reach their full potential. He served for 19 years on the board of Burr and Burton Academy, his final 15 as Chair. He is a founder and current Chair of the Manchester Community Land Trust. He has served for 18 years on the board, and is the current Chair, of the National Development Council, a nationwide non-profit with the mission of bringing economic opportunity to all.
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Sen. Rob Plunkett
At-Large
Senator Rob Plunkett was elected to the State Senate for the Bennington District in 2024. He pledges to ensure that Bennington continues to have a voice in the Senate—a voice for Bennington from Bennington. He is a father of two, raising his daughter and son in the same house where he grew up. With a career in public service as a prosecutor for Bennington County for 17 years, Rob brings valuable experience to the State Senate, offering his perspective on reforming the justice system. He is committed to helping Vermont remain a national leader in protecting gender and reproductive rights against the influence of a partisan U.S. Supreme Court. He also aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ensure access to quality care and education for Vermont’s children. Rob understands the importance of achieving these goals while ensuring that high taxes, inflated housing costs, and unpredictable expenses do not further burden the middle class and small businesses. The challenges Vermont faces are urgent and complex, and in Montpelier, Rob will bring his focus, diligence, and intelligence to complete the work that has been started.
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Rep. Jonathan Cooper
Bennington-1
Representative Jonathan Cooper of Pownal was elected as a State Representative for the Bennington-1 District in 2024. He has lived in southwestern Vermont since 2016 with his wife, Kate, and their daughters. With over a decade of experience in community and economic development, Jonathan is focused on expanding economic opportunities for residents, enhancing public resources for rural towns, and supporting development resources for local businesses. He aims to ensure that Vermont’s legislative priorities reflect rural communities' needs, which comprise two-thirds of the state’s population. In addition to managing the Community & Economic Development program at the BCRC, Jonathan proudly serves as Board Chair of Sunrise Family Resource Center, advocating for a bright future for the children and families of the First District.
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Rep. Timothy R. Corcoran II
Bennington-2
Representative Timothy R. Corcoran II, a lifelong resident of Bennington, Vermont, serves as State Representative for the Bennington-2 District. Born and raised in Bennington, he was educated at Mt. Anthony Union High School and earned a B.A. in political science from Johnson State College. Corcoran, who is married to Corrie, brings a diverse career background, including experience in manufacturing and real estate with Mahar McCarthy Real Estate. As a dedicated public servant, he has focused on improving access to healthcare, expanding economic opportunities, and supporting education and workforce development. Corcoran is committed to ensuring Bennington remains a vibrant and thriving community, and he seeks to continue his work in the legislature, advocating for a better quality of life for all residents of Bennington-2
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Rep. Will Greer
Bennington-2
Representative Will Greer, a recent graduate of Bennington College with a degree in public administration, was elected in 2024 as the Bennington County High Bailiff in addition to being elected to represent the Bennington-2 legislative district. At 21, Greer brings a fresh perspective and significant political experience, having worked with the Bennington Democratic Committee, served as secretary of the Vermont Democratic Party, and advocated for reform legislation at the Statehouse. Greer is the youngest out LGBTQIA+ member of a state legislature in the United States. He focuses on issues like sheriff department reforms, healthcare, public safety, and addressing the opioid crisis. With deep roots in rural communities and a passion for public service, Greer aims to continue the leadership that has benefited Southern Vermont while bringing a younger voice to Montpelier.
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Rep. David Durfee
Bennington-3
Representative David K. Durfee of Shaftsbury, Bennington County, was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives in 2018. He grew up in rural upstate New York, graduated from Williams College, and received an MBA from Cornell University. A consultant to cooperatives, non-profits, and small businesses, he was previously the General Manager of Wild Oats Market. He serves on the boards of BROC Community Action and the Mount Anthony Union High School District and was a member of the former Shaftsbury School District board and the secretary of the Neighboring Food Cooperative Association board. He and his wife Melanie have three sons.
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Rep. Rob Hunter
Bennington-4
Representative Rob Hunter, a long-time educator and resident of Vermont for nearly 30 years, was elected to Vermont House in 2024 to advocate for the needs of everyday Vermonters. With 32 years of teaching experience, including 27 at Burr and Burton Academy, Rob has seen firsthand the challenges that Vermont families face, from the rising cost of living to the complexities of raising children and navigating public education. As a husband, father, and active member of his community, he is deeply committed to issues like affordable housing, education spending, healthcare, and childcare. Rob brings a balanced, experienced voice to these conversations and is dedicated to fighting for the people of Bennington-4. In addition to his teaching career, Rob is a published poet, author, and former English Department Chair at Burr and Burton. He and his wife, Nancy, have raised two daughters and are proud to call Vermont home.
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Rep. Kathleen James
Bennington-4
Representative Kathleen James was first elected in November 2018. She has also served as an assistant majority leader at the Vermont House. As clerk of the Education Committee and a member of various caucuses, she works across party lines to address key issues such as education, climate change, and rural economic development. Kathleen serves on the leadership team of the Vermont Legislative Climate Solutions Caucus and is a founding member of the Tourism Caucus. Her efforts to improve public higher education and expand broadband access in Bennington County have been central to her work. With a background in journalism and public service, Kathleen brings a wealth of experience to the legislature. She holds degrees in political science and journalism from Northwestern University and has worked as a Capitol Hill reporter and editor. Kathleen lives in Manchester with her wife, Alexandra Heintz, and has two daughters.
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Rep. Mike Nigro
Bennington-5
Representative Mike Nigro, a small business owner and responsible landlord with 18 years of experience in healthcare, we reelected in 2024 as State Representative in Bennington-5. With an MBA and the experience of starting a business while working full-time, Mike understands the value of hard work and the challenges faced by small businesses. His focus is on creating a stronger small business environment, providing resources for entrepreneurs, and building the infrastructure needed to support local businesses. He is also committed to strengthening Vermont’s educational system, from early childhood through college, with a focus on expanding pathways to high-paying trades. Mike is dedicated to making Bennington a great place to work, raise a family, and educate children.
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Rep. Chris Morrow
Windham-Windsor-Bennington
Representative Chris Morrow was elected in 2024 to the Vermont House from the Windham-Windsor-Bennington District; a lifelong Vermonter and former owner of Northshire Bookstore, Chris understands the challenges of running a business, managing budgets, and navigating difficult market conditions. He believes that Vermont thrives when there are good jobs, affordable housing, and reasonable healthcare costs, and he aims to address the struggles many Vermonters face in affording homes, healthcare, and childcare. With decades of experience serving on local school boards and as the founding president of Local First Vermont, Chris is committed to keeping money in the community and supporting small businesses. A graduate of the Snelling Center for Government’s Vermont Leadership Institute, he brings a deep understanding of state government and a balanced, common-sense approach to Montpelier. With a background in Environmental Policy, Chris also emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change with a scientific, practical perspective
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Erica Albin Marthage
State’s Attorney
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Erica Albin Marthage was raised in Manchester, Vermont, from the time she was 9 years old. Erica graduated from Burr & Burton in 1988, then worked to pay her way through college, graduating from the University of Vermont in 1997, cum laude. She then attended the University of Connecticut School of Law, graduating in 2000.After finishing law school, Erica returned to Manchester and her family. Her parents, Don and Amey Albin, live in Manchester. Don was a local builder before he retired, and Amey worked as a seamstress for Orvis for years. Even now, most of Erica’s extended family lives in the Southern Vermont area. Erica married Brian Marthage in 2005, and they now live in Manchester with their three children, who attend Manchester Elementary Middle School (the same elementary school Erica attended) and Long Trail School.
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Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA
Sheriff
James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA, is a native Vermonter who grew up in Bennington, and is a graduate of Mount Anthony Union High School, Castleton State College, and Norwich University. In 2003, Chief Richard Gauthier hired James as a patrolman for the Town of Bennington. For approximately fourteen years, James served the Town of Bennington with admiration in his heart. Being a public servant is a dream come true for James. In 2007, James was appointed to serve as the Constable for the Town of Bennington, where the Selectboard required certain civil ordinances be enforced. In 2010, James was elected to serve two terms as the High Bailiff for Bennington County. James served this position well and functioned as a safeguard for the Sheriff of Bennington County, completing state of affairs that the Sheriff was unable to accomplish.
Throughout his twenty years of public service, James has taken his position as a law enforcement officer seriously. In addition, as a Detective for the Vermont State Police – Drug Task Force and for Manchester Police Department, James has listened to, and learned from many citizens in Bennington County, and understands what people want. In doing so, James has always been willing to establish connections with people to make a difference in their lives.
James is also active in community service events. James serves on the Board of Directors for the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless. As a law enforcement officer, James feels it is his moral responsibility to help the most vulnerable members of our society. James is also involved in Special Olympics where he has donated money and partaken in the yearly law enforcement torch run. Knowing how important Special Olympics were to James’ late Uncle, Jeffrey Palmer, it is still an honor to promote respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity for all people. Furthermore, James is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons – Mount Anthony Lodge #13, where the emphasis is placed on the individual man by strengthening character, improving moral and spiritual outlook, and broadening mental horizons.
James is also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. Being an auxiliary member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars allows James the opportunity to support Veterans, Service Members, and their families.
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Honorable Will Greer
High Bailiff
High Bailiff Will Greer, a recent graduate of Bennington College with a degree in public administration, was elected in 2024 as the Bennington County High Bailiff in addition to being elected to represent the Bennington-2 legislative district. At 21, Greer brings a fresh perspective and significant political experience, having worked with the Bennington Democratic Committee, served as secretary of the Vermont Democratic Party, and advocated for reform legislation at the Statehouse. Greer is the youngest out LGBTQIA+ member of a state legislature in the United States. He focuses on issues like sheriff department reforms, healthcare, public safety, and addressing the opioid crisis. With deep roots in rural communities and a passion for public service, Greer aims to continue the leadership that has benefited Southern Vermont while bringing a younger voice to Montpelier and Bennington County.