By Kolby LaMarche

Bram Kranichfeld, formerly Franklin County’s State’s Attorney, has officially qualified for the Democratic primary ballot in his challenge to incumbent Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George. 

The Aug. 11 primary will decide the race in the heavily Democratic county, where the winner is expected to face little or no Republican or independent opposition in November.

Kranichfeld filed the necessary paperwork this week, election officials confirmed, as did George. No other candidates have yet entered the race.

Kranichfeld announced his candidacy earlier this year near Dewey Park in Burlington’s Old North End. He positioned his campaign around restoring public confidence in the criminal justice system amid ongoing concerns about property crime, repeat offenders and visible drug activity in Chittenden County. 

George, appointed in 2017 by then-Gov. Phil Scott after T.J. Donovan became attorney general, is seeking a third full term. She won election in 2018 and defeated challenger Ted Kenney in the 2022 Democratic primary with about 53 percent of the vote, even as several police and other public unions backed Kenney.

George’s office has emphasized evidence-based policies, including limiting requests for cash bail in many low-level cases, expanding diversion programs for addiction and mental health issues, and promoting restorative justice pathways. Her supporters credit her with reducing unnecessary incarceration and addressing root causes of crime, particularly in Burlington. 

Critics, including law enforcement groups like the Burlington Police Officers’ Association, argue that her approach has led to insufficient consequences for repeat offenders. They point to what they describe as a “catch and release” pattern in property crimes and drug cases that they say erodes deterrence and public trust.

Tensions rose recently in April when George declined to prosecute six individuals arrested during an anti-ICE protest in South Burlington. 

She cited the non-violent nature of much of the protest, concerns about police conduct during the operation, and the interests of justice. 

The decision prompted strong criticism from Gov. Phil Scott and Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison, who accused George of placing activism ahead of prosecution duties. Law enforcement leaders warned it could embolden future disruptions.

George has defended her decisions, both past and present, stating that her office aggressively prosecutes serious violent crimes while using data-driven strategies for lower-level offenses. 

She has pointed to successes in treatment courts and diversion programs that she says lower recidivism for certain participants. In public comments, she has encouraged voters to focus on facts over their feelings, or perceptions, of rising crime.

Property crime and public disorder remain flashpoints. Burlington and surrounding areas have reported increases in retail and residential theft, car break-ins and open drug use and sale in some neighborhoods. 

Kranichfeld has highlighted these issues as reasons residents have lost faith, with some hesitant to report crimes due to doubts about meaningful follow-through.

Kranichfeld said he would reverse restrictions on requesting cash bail immediately upon taking office. He argues consistent accountability is needed to interrupt repeat offending cycles and rebuild community trust.

George has restarted her video series “Get Curious with Sarah George,” which she first used during the 2022 primary. 

The 2026 episodes will likely address topics including civil rights protections, prison overcrowding, emergency room safety, court backlogs and updates on her office’s work. In the series, George speaks directly to viewers and responds to submitted questions. You can watch one here. 

George has framed the contest as a choice between continued progressive reform and a return to older methods that she says failed to reduce incarceration or tackle underlying social 

Burlington accounts for most, but not all, of the voters both sides need to win, so campaigning there will prove decisive. Given Kranichfeld’s former experience as a Burlington city councilor in 2010, he may still have good ground in the Queen City. That was, however, nearly 15 years ago now. 

Both sides are expected to focus on door-knocking, community events and digital outreach throughout the summer. 

In the campaign finance world, State’s Attorney George has had huge, early momentum, most recently reporting a total of over $20,000 raised, with some already spent on outreach. Kranichfeld has not yet filed a report. 

George has said she welcomes the challenge and wants a debate based on facts and data. Kranichfeld has described his bid as offering fresh leadership from someone rooted in the community who understands the demands of the office.

Burlington City Councilors Evan Litwin and Mark Barlow, both Democrats representing the New North End, have been among Kranichfeld’s most active supporters. Litwin has publicly urged the Democrats to back Kranichfeld, calling for new leadership to address public safety and victim concerns more effectively.