Gray reclaims Vermont lieutenant governor seat in Montpelier race

MONTPELIER, Vt. Molly Gray won the Vermont lieutenant governor's race Tuesday night, defeating incumbent Republican John Rodgers. Gray declared victory shortly after 9:30 p.m., after Rodgers conceded.

Gray held the office from 2021 to 2023. Rodgers was first elected lieutenant governor in 2024. Vermont's lieutenant governor has limited duties in state government, but the 2026 race drew heavy attention.

Speaking to supporters, Gray said the campaign was won the Vermont way, by keeping things positive. "When you love a place like Vermont, and you love her people, and you want the best for her future, you never, ever give up," Gray said. "You never give up when things don't turn out your way."

Rodgers said in a statement the result was not what he hoped for and congratulated Gray on a hard-fought campaign. "Serving as your Lieutenant Governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Rodgers said. "As a fifth-generation Vermonter, a farmer, a small business owner, and someone who has spent much of his life in public service, I've always tried to bring a little common sense to Montpelier and give a voice to the folks who too often feel forgotten."

Gray was raised on a farm in South Newbury. She said her 2026 priorities include lowering health care and housing costs for Vermonters. She said she has seen the effects of federal changes on her family, both as a mother and as someone caring for her own mother.

Gray supports a universal primary care system to bring down health care costs. She also said she would work to keep technical center students in Vermont and to build more housing.