Outline:
A New Candidate Enters the Race for Lieutenant Governor in Vermont
In a recent campaign video released on Thursday, the race for lieutenant governor in Vermont has taken on a new dynamic with Ryan McLaren, a long-time aide to Peter Welch, officially announcing his candidacy. McLaren, who describes himself as a lifelong Vermonter, emphasizes that his decision to run is deeply personal, rooted in the values instilled by his parents.
McLaren shared that one of the primary motivations behind his campaign is the growing concern that hard work is no longer sufficient to achieve success in Vermont. He highlighted the rising costs of living and the challenges faced by working families, stating that he wants to address these issues head-on if elected.
“I’m doing this because of my parents,” McLaren said. “Opportunities for kids like me growing up today, with parents like mine, are fewer and far between. It’s too hard for working people to get ahead and figure it out.”
Over the course of his ten years as an advisor to Peter Welch, McLaren has spoken with numerous Vermonters who express a sense of disillusionment with the state’s ability to overcome its current challenges. He aims to focus on key areas such as housing, education, and healthcare, which he believes are critical to the well-being of Vermont’s residents.
“Our schools are shrinking … Our healthcare system, particularly in rural areas, is on the verge of crumbling … All of these problems exacerbate each other, and we need to build a Vermont where you can afford a home, you can send your kids to a great public school, and know that if you work hard you can get ahead,” McLaren explained.
However, McLaren knows that the road to victory will not be easy. With several prominent names already declaring their intention to run for lieutenant governor, he must work diligently to stand out in the crowded field.
In the upcoming Democratic primary this August, McLaren will face off against Molly Gray, who previously served as Vermont’s 83rd lieutenant governor from 2021 to 2023. The winner of the primary could then face incumbent Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers, should he decide to seek re-election.
Despite the competition, McLaren remains focused on the issues that matter most to Vermonters. He emphasized that his main challenge is not political but rather a broader issue of optimism for the future.
“My opponent in this race is not political; it is more spiritual,” McLaren said. “It’s the sense (that there’s) a lack of optimism in the future … I believe I’m the person with the most experience to get things done for Vermonters.”
Looking ahead, McLaren plans to spend the next few months traveling across the state to meet with Vermonters and understand their priorities. This approach mirrors the way he worked with Welch for a decade. He also plans to hold an official campaign kickoff event in about three weeks on Thursday, February 5, where he will announce endorsements he has received in the initial weeks of his candidacy.
Meanwhile, his primary opponent, Molly Gray, has already garnered support from a number of state lawmakers and community leaders, including former governor Howard Dean and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth. This backing highlights the competitive nature of the race and the importance of building a strong base of support.
As the campaign progresses, both candidates will have to navigate the complexities of the political landscape while focusing on the needs and concerns of Vermont’s residents. For McLaren, the journey ahead is not just about winning an election but about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who call Vermont home.