By Kolby R. LaMarche
Burlington’s Democratic, Progressive, and Republican parties are set to hold reorganization caucuses this month to form their committees for 2025-2027, as mandated by Vermont law.
These meetings are open to all Burlington residents wishing to join their respective committee. Note: you can only participate in one party caucus.
Democrats: Sunday, September 14, 2025, 3:00 p.m., Fletcher Free Library, Fletcher Room (top floor).
Founded nationally in 1828, the Vermont Democratic Party traces its roots to the 1830s, dominating Burlington politics until the 1980s. Bernie Sanders’ 1981 mayoral win disrupted their control, but they soon reclaimed power in both the mayor’s office and with the city council majority gained back in 2023.
Progressives: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 5:30 p.m., Fletcher Free Library (Fletcher Room).
The Vermont Progressive Party emerged in the early 1980s as the Progressive Coalition, a byproduct of Sanders’ mayoral tenure, and formalized as a party in 1999. It held up to six council seats in the 1980s but faced setbacks under Mayor Bob Kiss (2006-2012). Emma Mulvaney-Stanak’s 2024 mayoral win (51.4%, ranked-choice voting), the first Progressive mayor since Kiss, bolstered by their five council seats.
Republicans: Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Elks Lodge, Main Street.
The Republican Party, founded nationally in 1854, was active in Vermont by the 1850s and held significant Burlington influence through the 1980s. The party has had no councilors since Kurt Wright’s exit in 2020, after serving as councilor (1995-2020) and president (2007-2009, 2018-2020). The last Republican mayoral candidate was Kurt Wright in 2012.
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