Whereas Vermont has helped lead the nation on progressive causes like same-sex marriage, leisure marijuana and the right to abortion, there’s nonetheless one milestone it has but to go: The state has by no means despatched a lady to signify its residents in both chamber of the U.S. Congress.
That’s now set to vary, with Democrat Becca Balint projected to beat out Republican nominee Liam Madden and several other others to win Vermont’s lone seat within the Home.
Balint can even make historical past as the primary overtly LGBTQ individual to signify the state in Washington.
A former rock-climbing teacher and center faculty trainer, Balint made the swap to a full-time profession in politics when she joined the state Senate in 2015. She has been serving because the state Senate’s president professional tempore since final 12 months.
Speaking to The Washington Post in August, Balint commented on the excessive degree of tension she has been seeing in native communities throughout her marketing campaign, as folks take care of ongoing crises involving housing, habit and financial inequality.
“What I’m seeing is deep anxiousness and concern in regards to the future that’s form of overlaying every part. Whether or not we can survive this second when our democracy is clearly imperiled,” she stated on the time.
The progressive Balint earned endorsements from the state’s most iconic left-wing chief, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), together with Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the ice cream makers behind Ben & Jerry’s. Her greatest competitors within the Democratic main earlier this 12 months was a extra average candidate, Lt. Gov. Molly Grey, who was backed by retiring Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).
With Leahy leaving the Senate, Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) determined to run for his seat, leaving room for a recent face to take Welch’s place within the Home. Sanders just isn’t up for reelection till 2024.