Ben Traverse Announces Burlington Mayoral Run
The Burlington City Council president says he will seek the mayor's office in next Town Meeting Day's election.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in City Hall
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Burlington City Council President Ben Traverse announced he will run for mayor of Burlington, Vermont, at the Battery Park pavilion. Current Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak has not said whether she will seek reelection.
Why it matters
The announcement sets up a race in which Burlington voters will choose a new direction for city leadership, with Traverse saying he is running regardless of the mayor's decision. Progressives have criticized the Burlington Forward proposal from the Democratic caucus Traverse leads, and have not yet named a mayoral candidate.
Traverse has held the Ward 5 council seat since 2022 and serves as council president. The mayoral election is scheduled for next Town Meeting Day, and the incumbent mayor has not yet said whether she will seek another term.
The players
Ben Traverse
Burlington City Council president and Ward 5 councilor who leads the Democratic party caucus and previously served on the Housing Board of Review.
Emma Mulvaney-Stanak
Current mayor of Burlington, Vermont, who has not announced whether she will seek reelection.
Melo Grant
Burlington city councilor and Progressive who said Traverse would not be up to the job of mayor.
The details
Traverse made the announcement alongside members of his party at the Battery Park pavilion. He previously served on the Housing Board of Review and works as a lawyer for the UVM Health Network.
Timeline
2022: Traverse began serving as Ward 5 councilor.
November 6, 2026: Traverse announced his mayoral run.
Next Town Meeting Day: Burlington mayoral election.
Political Context
The mayoral bid extends the ongoing dispute between Burlington's Progressive and Democratic caucuses, with Progressives criticizing the Democratic-led Burlington Forward proposal. Progressives have not yet fielded a mayoral candidate of their own.
The outcome of the mayoral election will determine who leads city government and the administration of local policy in Burlington. Residents will have a choice of candidates on next Town Meeting Day.
The takeaway
Burlington voters will have a decision to make on next Town Meeting Day about the city's leadership and direction. Following candidate announcements and council debates will help clarify where each faction stands.
Further reading
For more on the local governing bodies involved, see City Hall coverage of Burlington.
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