ST. ALBANS — When John S. Rodgers left the statehouse in 2021, he thought his time in politics was over.
After 16 years representing the Essex-Orleans district in the state senate, he was ready to spend more time at his business and traveling with his wife. Until now.
“It feels like our rural culture is under attack,” he said. “I told my wife if I don’t run for something, I’m going to be mad at myself on Nov. 7.”
That “something” is Lieutenant Governor, a largely ceremonial position he thinks has not been used to its full potential. If elected, Rodgers plans to use the role to bring working class voices into the statehouse while fighting against legislation that tightens taxpayers’ wallets.
Contrary to the Democrat-blue he wore for years as a state senator, Rodgers’ has entered this race as a Republican, making the rare party flip among politicians.
“When I first got to Montpelier in 2003, I thought the Democrats took care of the working class and the poor people, but that has changed,” he said. “Now, the moderate Republicans are the only people I see standing up to the majority and saying this is too expensive.”