Rodgers and Gray Will Compete for Vermont Lieutenant Governor
Incumbent John Rodgers faces challenger Molly Gray in the race for Vermont Lieutenant Governor on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you plan to vote for a candidate based on their previous state office experience?
Republican incumbent John Rodgers and Democrat Molly Gray are set to compete for the seat of Vermont Lieutenant Governor in the general election on November 3, 2026. The position is tasked with presiding over the state senate and breaking tie votes.
Why it matters
As the person responsible for breaking ties in the state senate, the Lieutenant Governor holds significant influence over the legislative process in Vermont. The outcome of this race will determine which candidate holds this critical tie-breaking authority for the upcoming term.
Recent polling from the University of New Hampshire and Vermont Public tracks the candidate standings ahead of the November 3, 2026, election. Voters must ensure their ballots reach clerks by the 7:00 p.m. deadline on Election Day.
The players
John Rodgers
John Rodgers is the incumbent Lieutenant Governor of Vermont who is seeking to retain his position in the upcoming general election.
Molly Gray
Molly Gray is a Democratic candidate who previously served as the Lieutenant Governor of Vermont from 2021 to 2023.
The details
Molly Gray, who previously held the office of Lieutenant Governor from 2021 to 2023, is challenging the incumbent John Rodgers for the post. The winner will preside over the Vermont state senate and serve as the deciding vote in the event of legislative ties.
Timeline
Molly Gray held the office of Lieutenant Governor from 2021 to 2023.
UNH and Vermont Public conducted polling in September 2026.
Ballots must be returned by 7:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The race is defined by the Vermont Constitution's provisions for the Lieutenant Governor, which establish the office's power to break ties in the state senate. Opposition groups often focus on the incumbent's record or the candidate's proposed approach to presiding over senate floor debates.
This election determines who holds the deciding vote in the Vermont senate, potentially shifting the direction of state legislation for all residents. Voters must ensure their ballots are submitted by the 7:00 p.m. deadline on November 3 to have their voices heard in this race.
The takeaway
Understanding the legislative duties of the Lieutenant Governor helps voters appreciate the impact of this state-level race. Residents should keep the November 3 deadline in mind to ensure their participation in the electoral process.
What happens next
The general election for Vermont Lieutenant Governor will occur on November 3, 2026, with ballot submission deadlines at 7:00 p.m.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming races, visit the Vermont Elections portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My NBC5.
Live Poll
Do you plan to vote for a candidate based on their previous state office experience?
