Candidate Statement – Thomas West, Vermont State Representative
July 16, 2026
Details
Thomas West is a candidate for Vermont State Representative in the Bennington-4 District Democratic primary election on August 11, 2026. The district includes the towns of Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate, and Sunderland.
In this candidate statement, West shares his background, priorities, and why he is seeking to represent the Bennington-1 District in the Vermont House.
As part of GNAT-TV’s commitment to informing voters, we are providing all candidates in contested local and state races the opportunity to speak directly to the community. GNAT-TV does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate. The views expressed are those of the candidate.
Transcript
[00:00:19] Speaker 1: Hi, I'm Thomas West. [00:00:21] I'm running to represent Arlington, Manchester, [00:00:24] Sandgate, and Sunderland in the Vermont House. [00:00:28] I'm a husband, a father of four, and an Army veteran [00:00:31] who believes deeply in public service. [00:00:33] To me, service means taking responsibility [00:00:36] for the community around you. [00:00:38] It means listening, showing up, and doing your part, [00:00:41] even when the work is difficult or the answers aren't easy. [00:00:46] That belief has guided my military service, [00:00:49] my work with young people and families, [00:00:51] and my service on the Manchester Planning Commission, [00:00:55] our Regional Technical School Board, [00:00:57] and as a Justice of the Peace. [00:01:00] It's also why I'm running to be your next state representative, [00:01:04] because I believe Vermont can be the best state [00:01:07] in the nation to raise a family. [00:01:10] Making that vision real starts with a government [00:01:12] that helps create the conditions people need [00:01:15] to build a good life. [00:01:17] That means homes people can actually afford. [00:01:21] It means strong public schools with real access [00:01:24] to career and technical education. [00:01:27] It means lowering the everyday cost of living [00:01:30] and working in Vermont so families can stay, [00:01:34] older Vermonters can remain in their communities, [00:01:37] and local businesses can succeed. [00:01:41] These priorities aren't separate. [00:01:44] Housing, education, and affordability [00:01:46] all shape whether people can build a life here. [00:01:50] When families can't find a home they can afford, they leave. [00:01:55] When schools lose students, communities weaken. [00:01:59] And when people can't afford to live near their jobs, [00:02:03] our businesses and essential services [00:02:05] feel the consequences. [00:02:08] We need leaders who will listen, [00:02:10] work with people across differences, [00:02:13] and focus on solutions that make people's lives better. [00:02:17] That's the approach I've brought to every role I've held, [00:02:21] and it's the approach I'll bring to Montpelier. [00:02:25] I'm running to help build a Vermont [00:02:27] where families can put down roots. [00:02:29] Children have every opportunity to succeed, [00:02:32] and everyone has a fair chance to build a good life. [00:02:36] That's the Vermont I want to help build, [00:02:39] and I'd be honored to earn your support. [00:02:42] To learn more about me and our campaign, [00:02:45] visit westforvermont.com. [00:02:48] Thank you.
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