The Vermont Progressive Party recently held its annual state convention, during which delegates adopted seven resolutions, including those to further define its political identity, field a full slate of statewide candidates in 2026, and call for a special legislative session in response to the election of Donald Trump.
The convention took place last month at the Socialist Labor Party Hall in Barre, with reportedly over 100 members in attendance. It featured working groups and debriefing sessions aimed at organizing working-class Vermonters, as well as discussions of recent election results. The convention also included panel speeches from local and state elected officials, including outgoing Vermont Lt. Governor David Zuckerman.
Using results from the Vermont Secretary of State, Independent Political Report has identified 25 Vermont Progressive Party-endorsed candidates who won local, legislative, and statewide elections last month.
Delegates debated and approved several resolutions during the convention. Among them was a call for Vermont Governor Phil Scott to convene a special legislative session to protect “the rights of Vermonters” before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. Governor Scott later responded to the party’s call for a special session, stating during a regular briefing that the timing would be impractical and noting that the Vermont legislature is already scheduled to reconvene in January.
Other resolutions included support for a ceasefire in Gaza, which involves halting U.S. weapons transfers to Israel—a continuation of a resolution the party initially adopted in 2023—and the creation of a new Programs Committee to further articulate the party’s goals. Additionally, delegates approved joining the Progressive International, a global coalition of left-wing organizations that also includes the Democratic Socialists of America.
The party also recommitted to several ongoing priorities, including organizing the working class where possible, focusing more on local organizing efforts, and building a distinct identity separate from the Republican and Democratic parties. They argue that the latter resolution is essential to counter what they describe as attempts by state Democrats to suppress fusion voting and to specifically target or withhold support from candidates who are also endorsed by the Progressive Party.
As part of its resolution to build a distinct identity, the party stated its intention to run a full slate of Progressive candidates for statewide office in the 2026 election cycle. It also plans to nominate more candidates overall who will appear exclusively under the Progressive label.
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