Endorsements will be added here as they are announced.
STANDING TOGETHER
Elaine is proud to be supported by community leaders, advocates, and neighbors throughout the Chittenden-Central District, from Burlington to Essex Town and beyond, who believe in steady leadership and real solutions.
“I am proud to endorse Elaine Haney for State Senate. Elaine has more than a decade of local government experience, helping people with their day-to-day needs, working to achieve economic prosperity and a better future for the people in her district. As a State Senator, she will work to address the housing bottleneck, rising insurance costs, and commit to a practical approach to our education system. Elaine will prioritize the needs of children and families, and foster thriving local economies.
Elaine listens to people and treats everyone with respect. She will make sure your voice is heard at the Statehouse. She is committed to investing in people and communities. And she backs that commitment with energy and action.”
Beth Pearce, former State Treasurer
“The people of Vermont have already benefited deeply from Elaine’s leadership and expertise and would do so even more if she is elected to the Senate. She has a long track record as a champion of practical, collaborative solutions that keep working Vermonters front of mind.
Her work supporting women in office is unparalleled and as a newly elected official myself, I have found her mentorship to be invaluable. I can’t think of a better person to serve as state Senator!”
Becca Brown McKnight, Burlington City Councilor, Ward 6
One of the most important parts of serving in local government is keeping in touch with community members. Elaine has been a deeply involved member of her community for many years and I know she'll be committed to our entire district when she's in the Senate. I know we'll be able to count on her to represent Burlington and our needs.
Mark Barlow, Burlington City Councilor, North District
Jane Knodell, Former Burlington City Councilor
“I’m proud to endorse Elaine Haney for the Vermont Senate. Vermont is at an inflection point, and we need leaders who are grounded in their communities, willing to listen, and ready to tackle the challenges Vermonters are facing around affordability, housing, and access to care. Elaine brings thoughtfulness, integrity, and a collaborative approach to public service, and I’m confident she will be a strong advocate for our region and for Vermont’s future.”
Rep. Rey Garofano, Essex Town, CHI-23
“As an Emerge Vermont graduate, I’ve had the privilege of working with and learning from Elaine. She is a truly exceptional leader—someone who does her homework, asks hard questions, and listens deeply to a wide range of perspectives. Elaine leads with care and integrity, always centering the well-being of others. In this time of immense challenges at every level of government, I can think of no one better suited to lead us forward. I am proud to endorse Elaine for Senate.”
Allie Schachter, Burlington City Councilor, East District
“Elaine Haney is singularly prepared to serve with distinction as a state senator. She has deep experience in local government, having served her local government, most recently on the Essex Junction City Council and the Essex Town Selectboard, for 12 years. She served during some of the biggest and most contentious challenges any local government in Vermont has had to address in recent years. She also knows the mechanics of state government through her work at the Vermont State Colleges and Emerge Vermont. As someone who has had the pleasure of working with Elaine on the CCTV Board, I know that she will be a knowledgeable, compassionate, open, and respectful member of the Vermont State Senate. I endorse her strongly and with enthusiasm.”
“I’ve known Elaine for 25 years as a friend, neighbor, colleague in municipal government, and as an Emerge Vermont and Vermont State Colleges supporter. Elaine will make a great Vermont state senator because she is a patient listener who acts decisively when she has made a decision in the best interest of her constituents. I have never known her to back away from a fight when she knows what is right, even if it means everyone won't be happy with the outcome. I observed in Montpelier that the best legislators often come with a strong background in grassroots local government service. Elaine has that experience.
Chittenden-Central voters will have tough choices this year in a very competitive senate race. You don't have to be from Essex to benefit from Elaine's successful past efforts and future hard work on your behalf. Choose the strong Democrats who will work for your priorities and fight for better education, health care, housing...and who know how to get things done. Be a change agent by supporting one with a strong track record of service—Elaine Haney!”
Tim Jerman, former State Representative, Essex Junction Village Trustee, DNC National Committeeman, VDP Vice Chair
“I know I am among many who strongly support Elaine Haney’s run for State Senate in the Chittenden Central district.
During my time as Chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, I got to know and respect Elaine as Emerge Vermont’s executive director. Her enthusiasm, wisdom, and knowledge were indispensable to the success of Emerge Vermont, both in attracting candidates to train and in their success at the ballot box. In 2022 and 2024, an astounding 81% of Emerge candidates won their races, with most attributing to Elaine and Emerge Vermont training an outsize role in their win.
As VDP Chair, I learned to rely on Elaine’s deep understanding of Vermont politics and her ethical approach to campaign and policy issues. Elaine became a trusted advisor and partner.
In addition to being a respected leader, Elaine is a team player, who brings people together and takes into consideration their priorities and concerns. This will be a valuable quality as a state senator, along with all she’s gained from her deep involvement in local and state politics for well over 20 years.
I know that Elaine will continue to be a smart, thoughtful, and effective advocate on issues that matter once she is elected to the Vermont Senate. I have no question that she has what it takes to be a superb senator for her constituents and for Vermont.”
Anne Lezak, Burlington, Former Chair, Vermont Democratic Party
“Elaine Haney is running for Vermont Senate and she is an accomplished and visionary Vermonter whose time has come to help guide Vermont into the future. As a current city counselor for the City of Essex Junction and recently the ED of Emerge Vermont, Elaine understands the workings of government. She is also fair and open minded. With her long, successful career in community development and outreach, government, and organizational development, Elaine will bring a refreshing and bright perspective to our State Legislature. She has my total and unwavering support.”
Melinda Moulton, Writer, Film Maker, Community Leader
“Elaine brings 12 years of proven experience in both city and town government, grounded in years of volunteerism and community service, to tackle the toughest issues with patience and persistence. She has a track record of rolling up her sleeves on complex challenges—from public safety and long-term infrastructure to housing and small business—always putting the needs of families and children first. Her life of uplifting women and girls, whether in civic life or on the roller derby track, shows the kind of hard-working, no-headlines-needed leadership the Vermont Senate needs now.”
Marybeth Redmond, Essex, Former state representative
“I am happy to endorse Elaine Haney for the Vermont Senate. I have known her for years but was fortunate to get to know Elaine even better this past year through her role as the Executive Director of Emerge Vermont, the premier political leadership training organization for Democratic women. Elaine is an optimistic yet pragmatic leader who knows how to effect positive change for Vermont. She is collaborative – able to listen to people and formulate their concerns into action. Elaine is willing to grapple with complex issues that impact our local communities. She will be an incredible asset in the Vermont Senate.”
Amy Bielawski-Branch, Burlington
“Elaine has the decades of leadership and community-building experience we need in our representation in Montpelier, especially during this time of federal deconstruction and overreach. Having gotten to know her, I was immediately struck by her caring and listening nature, and her passionate commitment to moving us towards fiscal responsibility, affordability, and efficiency. She'll be a strong voice and partner for New North Enders and all of Burlington.”
Evan Litwin, Burlington City Councilor, Ward 7
“Elaine’s many years of local government service make me feel confident that she is the right person to represent Burlington, and all the cities and towns in our district, in the Vermont Senate. She understands the challenges, pressures, and opportunities we face, and the needs of our city, our businesses, and our residents. I’m supporting Elaine for state Senate because I know she’ll be a strong partner and advocate in Montpelier.”
Ben Traverse, Burlington City Council President, Ward 5
“As a municipal leader and someone who understands statewide policies, Elaine knows the pressures and needs our towns are dealing with. She's responsive to constituents, understands their challenges, and knows the complexities of our region. She will look for practical, affordable solutions and new ways to partner to get things done. I'm supporting Elaine for the Vermont Senate because I know she'll be there for Burlington.”
Sarah Carpenter, Burlington City Councilor, Ward 4 (former Executive Director of Vermont Housing Finance Agency and Cathedral Square Housing)
"There are many notable things I could say about Elaine. One that stands out is her dedication to public service. Elaine and I both understand the rigorous work serving as elected officials in local government. Serving in these roles requires dedication to the community, commitment to advocating for values that speak volumes beyond the meeting agenda, and draw-in voices that would otherwise go unheard. Elaine has exemplified these traits with over a decade in public service. Elaine never fails to show up, having done her homework with receipts in hand, and holds the community she's serving close to her heart. When I first met Elaine at Emerge Vermont, I knew I met someone with passion for a healthy, fair, and vibrant Vermont. Chittenden Central would be so lucky to have her in the Senate, and I'm proud to endorse her."
Bryn Oakleaf, Deputy Mayor of Winooski
“Elaine’s trademark work ethic and integrity, as well as her long experience in local government and collaborative leadership style, helped her guide the Essex Selectboard through some very tough decisions. Elaine plays the long game, keeping her sights on what’s best for the community not just right now, but far into the future.”
Max Levy, former chair, Essex Selectboard
“I served with Elaine for six years in local government, and I strongly endorse her for the Vermont Senate. During her years in city and town government, as a planning commissioner, a village trustee, a selectboard member, and a city councilor, Elaine played a key role in keeping Essex and Essex Junction ahead of the curve for affordable housing and responsible, sustainable development. She understands how to transform community input into effective government policy.
Elaine has spent years as an elected local official on the cutting edge of municipal development in Vermont’s fastest growing county. In Montpelier, others may talk of the vital need for more housing; Elaine knows how to get it done. The state needs the kind of working knowledge she brings to the table.
Elaine also knows how to listen to her constituents with an open mind and warm heart. She’s collegial yet strong in her convictions, which are tuned to a humanistic moral compass. I always valued her wisdom and humor, and I never saw her unprepared for a meeting or unable to make a good idea better.”
George Tyler, former Essex Junction Village President & City Council President
“As a nurse, I am determined to support healthcare reform that meets Vermonters' need for affordable, easily available and health-focused care, starting with primary care. We are a long way from meeting that goal and it will take leaders who ask tough questions, have high expectations and require accountability. Elaine has the kind of background and experience to meet the challenge.
Her support by all the members of the Burlington City Council shows she has the knowledge and ability to bring people to work together. She has a track record that shows the determination and skill we need to do the transformative work that it will take to fight on behalf of all of us to make high quality healthcare affordable and accessible for every Vermonter. Please join me in voting for Elaine Haney for Vermont Senate.”
Linda Tarr-Whelan, former US Ambassador to the UN Commission on the Status of Women, Burlington’s New North End
"I've served on the Church Street Marketplace Commission for over 20 years, so I know exactly what it takes to keep Burlington's downtown safe, vibrant and accessible to all. We need leaders in Montpelier who treat public safety, housing, and small business growth and support as one interconnected issue rather than separate talking points. Elaine understands this, as she's dedicated her career to serving in local government, committed to the kind of work that doesn't make headlines but keeps our communities and downtowns thriving. I'm proud to endorse Elaine: Burlington and the entire Chittenden Central district would be well served by her in Montpelier."
Buddy Singh, Burlington City Councilor, South District
To solve our deep problems, we don't need more activists in Montpelier who just advocate for their point of view. We need leaders who are ready to engage in the tedious, difficult, and painstaking work of building capacity, implementing systems reform, and holding government accountable. Elaine has shown that she will listen closely, collaborate, and focus on the best outcomes for Vermonters. She is exactly the type of public servant we need in Montpelier.
Abbey Duke, Vermont House Representative (CHI-18)
“Elaine brings a straightforward and honest approach to governance. She is willing to engage in direct conversations, values clarity, and does not shy away from addressing complex issues head-on. At the same time, she is an attentive and thoughtful listener who takes the time to understand different perspectives. She consistently focuses on practical solutions and works to support those in our community who need it most.
Through our work together, I have developed a strong trust in Elaine’s judgment and intentions. I am confident that she is looking out not only for Essex Junction, but also for the broader interests of our state. She approaches her responsibilities with integrity and a genuine commitment to public service.
I encourage voters to give Elaine Haney their support and elect her as Chittenden Central Senator.”
Marcus Certa, Essex Junction City Councilor
I’m proud to endorse Elaine Haney for Vermont State Senate. Elaine is one of the hardest-working public servants I’ve had the opportunity to work with. She always shows up prepared, asks the right questions, and stays focused on outcomes that genuinely improve things for residents. One of the things I value most is her pragmatism. Elaine helps reframe the discussion toward what’s achievable, sustainable, and effective. That perspective, grounded in experience, makes a real difference. Elaine is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right, regardless of the consequences. That combination of work ethic, pragmatism, and principled leadership is rare. It’s also exactly what we need representing us in the Vermont State Senate.”
Brian Shelden, former Essex Junction City Councilor, former Chair of the Town of Essex Economic Development Commission and the Town of Essex Democrats
I have known Elaine for many years, working with her on committees, initiatives, and projects to benefit our community. She is passionate, caring, persistent, constant, and an active learner. She is both collaborative and decisive, and doesn’t shy away from hard choices to find the wise path forward. Most recently, we teamed up on an initiative to educate our community about the vote to form the City of Essex Junction. We successfully got out the vote on a single-issue ballot item in a non-election year, with almost 50% of registered voters participating in this historic decision. Elaine’s dedication to volunteer work on this and so many other initiatives demonstrate her commitment to her community and to good governance in Vermont. I am confident that she will be a tremendous representative to the Senate and will work on behalf of all Vermonters to address critical issues head on.”
Gabrielle Smith, Essex Junction
“I’ve known Elaine for over 20 years and we’ve worked together on community enhancement projects for most of that time. Elaine is an enthusiastic promoter of all community connection endeavors, and I know she’ll bring that same enthusiasm to the Vermont Senate! Elaine is practical, knowledgeable and personable. That’s a great combination of attributes for a senator! Vote for Elaine Haney!"
Bridget Downey-Meyer, Essex Junction
“Jonathan and I have known Elaine for over 25 years and it’s not nearly long enough! We met through her bookstore, and I am proud to say I helped launched her into her political career: I invited her to run for the Trustees of the Brownell Library. The followed a term on the Essex Town Selectboard; 7 years as a Trustee of the Village of Essex Junction; and now a city councilor for the City of Essex Junction, which she helped create; Vermont representative to the Democratic National Committee; and numerous other appointments, City- and county-wide.
But Elaine is not just a political character. She grows bountiful flower gardens, is a world traveler, and—wait for it—a former roller derby player and referee. She knows the rules and she knows how to play by the rules, and she knows how to question and change the rules.
Elaine’s recent work with Emerge has been assisting Vermont women interested in running for public office. She is well-apprised of the many issues facing Vermont: housing challenges, small business needs, healthcare costs, and the huge importance of addressing the educational challenges of our small rural state. Elaine seeks a collaborative approach which includes the many stakeholders all over the state. She has a deep understanding of how things work, and is passionate about politics, in the best sense of the word.
We know that all of this, for Elaine, is about building and sustaining communities in Vermont, to better serve everyone.
Jonathan and I heartily endorse Elaine Haney to represent us and our family and friends and our community in the Chittenden-Central district, with deep gratitude for her service."
Angie & Jonathan Chapple-Sokol, Burlington
“I support Elaine Haney for the Vermont Senate. I have known Elaine for over 15 years; we worked together on the Brownell Library Board of Trustees and we stayed in touch while she was on our local government boards. As a library trustee, I always knew I could count on Elaine, no matter what board she was on, to be a champion of the Brownell; I knew she would be able to explain things to other government officials in a way that they would understand because she has always seen the value that a library provides the community. I have known her to be thoughtful, hardworking, and willing to listen to the community she is serving. Elaine understands how important collaboration is to get things done. I believe she will help us move forward in a way that benefits us all. Community is at the core of everything that Elaine does and I know my community is better thanks to Elaine’s service.”
Sheila Porter, Essex Junction, Brownell Library Trustee
Vermonters need change, and leaders who can make it happen.
Will you support my campaign for Vermont Senate?
This moment calls for leaders who will do the hard work, and I’m ready to take on the fight. I hope you'll join me in the work of building a successful future for Vermont.
