Esther Charlestin
Esther Charlestin
Vermont Democratic Governor nominee?
$16.7K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleEducator
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderFemale
LocationVermont
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BackgroundEducator
Notable personal detailsEsther Charlestin is a Vermont educator and consultant who served as co-chair/chair of the Vermont Commission on Women and previously was elected to the Middlebury Select Board. She was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Vermont in 2024, losing to incumbent Gov. Phil Scott in the general election. She later launched a campaign for lieutenant governor ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports raising taxes on Vermont’s highest earners to fund priorities such as affordable housing and education and has proposed a new tax on top earners to help pay for state programs.
Healthcare
Supports expanding Medicaid eligibility and increasing access to mental health services in schools; wants Medicaid to cover stays in 90-day treatment centers and supports stronger labor protections for nurses and healthcare workers to improve access and workforce stability.
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Climate & Energy
Supports policies to reduce emissions through investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, public transit, and programs that help residents transition (EV incentives, home weatherization). Backs state-level climate legislation that holds polluters accountable and strengthens renewable energy standards while promoting watershed and flood resilience. Favors targeted funding and incentives to make the energy transition equitable and affordable for Vermonters.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports closing background-check loopholes and restricting assault-rifle ownership while preserving lawful gun ownership; favors “common sense” gun laws. Advocates for measures to protect children from gun violence while respecting legal ownership.
News
Esther Charlestin is being mentioned in coverage about the 2026 midterm elections and the possibility of Democrats gaining control of both chambers of Congress. The reporting does not give specific new actions or statements from Charlestin, so the news context around her is limited. It mainly places her in a broader political environment where candidate quality and shifting voter sentiment could matter.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising