A Message from Lachlan Francis, Vermont Democratic Party Chair-Elect
, on Nov 20, 2025
MONTPELIER -- My name is Lachlan Francis, and I'm honored to introduce myself as the newly elected Chair of the Vermont Democratic Party. I'm a proud product of Vermont's public schools, from Putney Central through Brattleboro Union High School and the University of Vermont. And now, at age 29, I'm one of the youngest state party chairs in Vermont Democratic Party history and one of the youngest state party chairs in the country.
Growing up in Windham County, I learned what it means to work hard when I started working on local farms at age 12. My parents were renters and we moved often in the Putney area. But my freshman year of high school our neighbor, Pete Shumlin, was elected Governor. It ignited an interest in politics and public policy. Within a couple years, I was appointed as the student representative on the State Board of Education.
In high school, I started working on political campaigns, and then managed Becca Balint's first campaign for State Senate after my senior year. I've spent over a decade working to elect Democrats across Vermont, and across the country.
Now I work at Landmark College in my hometown of Putney – the first college in the United States to exclusively serve students with learning differences. I also co-own and operate a small business, and live in Westminster with my wife Olivia, a physical therapist.
Growing up in rural, southern Vermont, I learned that politics starts with listening to your neighbors, showing up early and often, and working together for the common good. As Chair of your Democratic Party, I am committed to building a party in that image.
Those values shaped me. They're why I got involved in Vermont politics as a teenager. And they're why I'm stepping into this role today.
Now I work at Landmark College in my hometown of Putney – the first college in the United States to exclusively serve students with learning differences. I also co-own and operate a small business, and live in Westminster with my wife Olivia, a physical therapist.
Growing up in rural, southern Vermont, I learned that politics starts with listening to your neighbors, showing up early and often, and working together for the common good. As Chair of your Democratic Party, I am committed to building a party in that image.
Those values shaped me. They're why I got involved in Vermont politics as a teenager. And they're why I'm stepping into this role today.
I'm stepping into this role with deep gratitude.Thank you for believing in this movement. Together, we're going to build a Democratic Party that's as sturdy and grounded as the state we love.
In solidarity,
Lachlan Francis
Chair, Vermont Democratic Party
In solidarity,
Lachlan Francis
Chair, Vermont Democratic Party