Hi, neighbors – I’m Jeffrey Peterson, and I’m a democratic socialist running to represent Downtown Burlington and the Old North End in the state house.
Burlington is the community that raised me. I grew up here and graduated from our public schools. I have spent my career at the intersection of public policy and communications, working in climate policy, local economic development, and as a staffer for Vermont’s congressional delegation.
I moved back to Vermont a few years ago, driven by a sense of urgency about the rise of fascism and authoritarianism, and a belief that Vermont would get through okay, thanks to our strong community ties, mutual aid networks, and grassroots organizing. I’ve spent the past few years contributing to that infrastructure, and I’m ready to bring that same urgency to the statehouse.
I am running because we need a fighter.
And when we’re facing a rapid erosion of trust in our government and public institutions, we must invest in our public goods and services by taxing the rich. That’s how we’ll secure free healthcare, affordable housing, and shared infrastructure.
This campaign is 100% people powered so I’ll always be accountable to this community. Join us!
Our for-profit healthcare system is collapsing. We need to finally implement Act 48 by securing sustainable, progressive funding to make sure healthcare is a right, not a privilege tied to your job or income. A universal healthcare system will not only help address affordability concerns, it will improve the wellbeing of every Vermonter.
Our housing crisis can’t be left up to developers to solve. We need to pursue policies like taxing second homes, luxury properties, and short-term rentals and direct the revenue into social housing and permanently affordable homes. Burlington’s diverse community fabric is our biggest strength and we can’t let more people get pushed out because their housing is treated as an investment asset.
We must invest in public transit as essential infrastructure that lowers the cost of living, connects communities, and reduces emissions. For too long, Montpelier has hurt our region’s future by refusing to sustainably fund Green Mountain Transit.
“Serving the Old North End and Downtown as State Representative for the Chittenden-16 district has been the honor of a lifetime. Fighting for working Vermonters and renters in a statehouse that doesn’t always reflect those realities demands both conviction and the ability to build coalitions. I’m confident that Jeffrey has both.“
“None of us can do this work alone. I know that Jeffrey is going to be a voice for better cross-chamber coordination and better politics. He’s a leader who will organize his colleagues and push back against bad policy.”
“Burlington needs bold leaders in the State House. Jeffrey Peterson will be that leader. He will stand up for Burlington and advocate for stronger state solutions to homelessness and gaps in our systems that are the cause of the challenges gripping our city. He also understands that the root causes to many of these issues include a shortage of affordable housing, a broken health care system, and a lack of enough livable wage jobs. I am thrilled to endorse Jeffrey as he is the voice we need in Montpelier.”
“Jeffrey is a young Vermonter and a renter. He will represent the parts of our Burlington community that don’t usually get a voice in Montpelier but are vital to the future of our state. Jeffrey asks important questions about why our systems are failing regular people. In the state house, I know he will be unafraid of speaking truth to power and will be an asset to our Chittenden County delegation.”
“Jeffrey was raised in Burlington and knows the issues we face. He understands our mainly working-class, renter district, one of Vermont’s most diverse in every way. He is committed to challenging the systemic barriers that stand in the way of the housing, health care, child care, justice, and education systems we need. He’ll fight for progressive tax and economic policies necessary to build them. I’m proud to support Jeffrey and look forward to him fighting for us in the Legislature.“
“Jeffrey will be a strong advocate for our Old North End and Downtown neighborhoods. Jeffrey brings fresh perspectives, new energy, and a deep commitment to the people who call our community home. I’m especially looking forward to collaborating with Jeffrey to strengthen coordination between the municipal and state levels so we can advance policies that better serve Burlington residents.“
“We need leaders who work together to tackle challenges, not seek to tear us apart. In the State House, Jeffrey will be a strong advocate for Burlington’s needs and a partner in the work to expand restorative justice practices. He’ll fight for the community investments that address the root causes of harm. This is how we reduce recidivism and heal the divides in our communities.”
