House Speaker Smith Announces Bid for Governor of Vermont

Vermont House Speaker Shap Smith has become the first candidate to throw his hat in the race for governor of Vermont. This coming after it was announced earlier this year that Gov. Peter Shumlin would not be seeking a 4th term in office. Shumlin has held the seat since 2010.

Smith, on the other hand, announced his candidacy in his hometown of Morrisville earlier this week surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues from the House. The 49-year-old is in his 7th term in the Vermont House and has been speaker since 2009. He’s expected to face a democratic primary battle with former lawmaker Matt Dunne, of Hartland.

State Transportation Secretary and former House member Sue Minter also is considering entering the race, while potential Republican candidates include Lt. Gov. Phil Scott.