Democrats Hold Three Vermont Senate Seats

Three Democratic incumbents won reelection in Washington County as the party appears on track for a Senate supermajority.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Democrats Hold Three Vermont Senate Seats

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Ann Cummings, Anne Watson and Andrew Perchlik, all Democrats, were reelected to the Vermont Senate, finishing in the top three for the three seats up for election. Unofficial results show Cummings with 19,891 votes, Watson with 18,110 and Perchlik with 17,310.

Why it matters

The results position Democrats to secure a Vermont Senate supermajority, and Perchlik said he has the votes to become president pro tempore of the Senate. The incoming lawmakers said they will focus on housing, the environment and property taxes as the state expects a reduction in federal dollars over the next two years.

Unofficial tallies show the three Democratic incumbents finished in the top three of the seats up for election, with Cummings receiving 19,891 votes, the most in the race. The results have not yet been certified, and the final totals may change.

The players

Ann Cummings

Ann Cummings is a Democratic member of the Vermont Senate from Montpelier who was elected to her 16th term.

Anne Watson

Anne Watson is a Democratic/Progressive member of the Vermont Senate from Barre who was elected to her third term.

Andrew Perchlik

Andrew Perchlik is a Democratic/Progressive member of the Vermont Senate from Marshfield who was elected to his fifth term and said he has the votes to become president pro tempore.

Rob LaClair

Rob LaClair is a Montpelier resident and former Vermont House member who ran as a Republican challenger in the race.

The details

The three incumbents, representing Washington County, Braintree, Orange and Stowe, were challenged by three Republicans. Cummings of Montpelier was elected to her 16th term, Watson of Barre to her third term and Perchlik of Marshfield to his fifth term.

November 4, 2026: Election held and unofficial results reported.
Next two years: Expected reduction in federal dollars for the state.

Political Context

The results extend Democratic control of the Vermont Senate and move the party toward a supermajority that would give it greater leverage over legislation. Republican challengers in the district finished well behind the incumbents, which leaves the opposition with limited representation in the chamber.

The incoming Senate majority will shape decisions on property taxes, housing and environmental protection that affect Vermont households. Residents in the district should watch for certified results and the Senate's leadership vote that will follow.

The takeaway

Control of the Vermont Senate is shifting toward a larger Democratic majority, so state policy on taxes, housing and the environment will likely reflect that balance. Readers should track the certified totals and leadership vote to confirm the final outcome.