Esther Charlestin
Esther Charlestin | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1989 or 1990 (age 34–35) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Western Connecticut State University (BA) Sacred Heart University (MA, MEd) |
| Awards | Leahy Award (2023)[1] |
Esther Charlestin (born 1989/1990)[2] is an American educator and businesswoman,[3] serving as the chair of the Vermont Commission on Women.[4][5] A first-generation Haitian American,[6] Charlestin was the Democratic nominee in the 2024 Vermont gubernatorial election, wherein she became the second black woman to earn a U.S. state gubernatorial election (after Stacey Abrams).[7][8][1]
Prior to running for Governor of Vermont, Charlestin was elected to the Middlebury Select Board in 2021. She was supported in her gubernatorial bid by Vermont political figures including Howard Dean, Becca Balint, David Zuckerman, and Emma Mulvaney-Stanak,[9][10] before losing to incumbent Phil Scott in the largest Republican landslide in the state since 1946.
Political positions
Education
Charlestin advocates for a sustainable education system that eases the education tax burden for low and middle-income families.[10]
Housing crisis
Charlestin stated affordable housing as a top priority and focused on working with local municipalities to allow for new construction.[11]
Flood relief
Charlestin's policy platform for flood relief focused on promoting sustainable land use and managing stormwater run off.[11]
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Phil Scott (incumbent) | 266,428 | 73.60 | ||
| Democratic/Progressive | Esther Charlestin | 79,217 | 21.88 | ||
| Independent | Kevin Hoyt | 9,362 | 2.59 | ||
| Green Mountain Peace and Justice | June Goodband | 4,511 | 1.25 | ||
| Independent | Poa Mutino | 2,414 | 0.67 | ||
| Write-in | 81 | 0.02 | |||
| Total votes | 362,013 | 100.00 | |||
| Republican hold | |||||
| 2024 Vermont Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Election Results[12][13] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | % |
| Esther Charlestin | 24,007 | 62.3 |
| Peter Duval | 9,377 | 24.3 |
| Other/Write-in votes | 5,159 | 13.4 |
References
- ^ a b Stewart, Megan. "Vermont Voter Guide: Who is running for governor?". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ https://vtdigger.org/2024/10/15/like-david-and-goliath-esther-charlestins-bid-to-bring-down-gov-phil-scott/
- ^ "Vermont Gov. Phil Scott wins fifth term, defeating Democratic newcomer Esther Charlestin". My Champlain Valley. Nov 5, 2024. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
{{cite web}}:|first=missing|last=(help) - ^ "Howard Dean will not challenge Phil Scott for governor in 2024". Vermont Public. 2024-05-20. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ "Commissioners | Commission on Women". women.vermont.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ Stolk, Babette (2024-01-05). "Middlebury educator and consultant Esther Charlestin announces run for governor". VTDigger. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ Mearhoff, Sarah (2024-08-13). "Esther Charlestin wins Democratic gubernatorial nod while statewide incumbents cruise to primary victories". VTDigger. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ Stewart, Megan. "The November election is coming up fast: Three things to consider in Vermont". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ Biddix, Stephen (2024-10-24). "Gov. Scott and Esther Charlestin continue on the campaign trail, but with different styles". WPTZ. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ a b "Democratic governor candidate Esther Charlestin shares 20-year vision for Vermont". Colchester Sun. 2024-08-08. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ a b "Esther Charlestin challenges incumbent Phil Scott as he seeks fifth term as governor". The Middlebury Campus. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ ":: Vermont Election Night Results ::". electionresults.vermont.gov. Archived from the original on 2025-02-23. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
- ^ Cusanelli, Michael (2024-08-14). "Vermont Democratic governor's primary: Esther Charlestin defeats Peter Duval". WPTZ. Retrieved 2025-04-07.