Democrats make gains in Vermont Legislature

MONTPELIER — Democrats extended their dominance in the Vermont Senate in Tuesday’s election and maintained their majority in the House, a setback for Vermont Republicans who had hoped to see gains in the lower chamber.

Following Tuesday’s election, Democrats will control 23 of the Senate’s 30 seats — a pickup of two for the party. Longtime Republican Sen. Bill Doyle, the 90-year-old who has served in the Senate since 1969, was defeated by Democrat Francis Brooks. Brooks served for many years in the House before working as the sergeant-at-arms in the State House.

Meanwhile, Democrats also gained a seat in the Chittenden County delegation. Rep. Chris Pearson, a Progressive who ran in the Democratic primary for the Senate, takes over a seat previously controlled by Republicans. Former Sen. Diane Snelling retired from the chamber earlier this year and Gov. Peter Shumlin appointed Republican Sen. Helen Riehle to replace her. Riehle did not seek re-election.

Democrats held on to the seat occupied by retiring Senate President Pro Tem John Campbell. Rep. Allison Clarkson, D-Woodstock, was elected and will join the two Democratic incumbents from the district.

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