Aly Richards

Aly Richards (Democratic Party) ran for election for Governor of Vermont. She lost in the Democratic primary on August 11, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Aly Richards, and I'm running for Governor of Vermont. I'm the former CEO of Let's Grow Kids, where from 2015-2025 I led a movement of more than 40,000 parents, early childhood educators, and business leaders to pass Act 76, the most significant child care law in the country. It's working to increase child care supply and quality in Vermont while bringing down costs for families, and it's already become a model for the nation, as recently covered by the New York Times.

I'm a problem solver with a track record of making Vermont more affordable for working families. I have experience transforming state systems from the inside and the outside, and I know how to make a plan, build a coalition, work with those most impacted, and drive until Vermonters see results.

I grew up in Newbury and live in Montpelier, and I'm raising my family here because I know Vermont is the best place in the world to do it. I'm committed to our communities and will fight to make sure Vermonters have what they need to thrive.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Vermont is the best place in the world to raise a family, but right now, costs are crushing us, young people are leaving, and businesses can't find workers. These aren't separate problems: they're symptoms of an economy that isn't working for Vermonters.

I'm running for Governor on a simple premise: do what we know works. In my first year, I'll develop a Vermont Economic Action Plan, starting with our biggest constraint on growth: housing.

Getting there requires real leadership: a shared vision and putting the people most affected in the driver's seat. I've spent my career building coalitions and delivering results others said weren't possible. Vermont needs that kind of leadership now.Housing is the front line of Vermont's economic crisis, and it's where I'll start. When Vermonters can't afford to live here, businesses can't grow, schools lose students, and communities can't thrive. We need more homes, in the right places, at prices Vermonters can afford.

As Governor, I'll set clear annual housing targets by region, direct state and federal dollars toward development that strengthens community vitality, and make it easier to build the homes Vermonters need.

I'll also build the workforce to build the homes, pairing housing investment with expanded apprenticeships, trades training, and vocational education, and making postsecondary education more affordable for Vermonters.All Vermonters deserve high-quality, affordable, accessible health care, but right now that's out of reach for too many. Vermont has the highest individual insurance premiums in the country, our hospitals are on the brink of bankruptcy, and up to 45,000 Vermonters could lose coverage under federal Medicaid cuts. It's unacceptable that families have to choose between rent, food, and a doctor's visit.

As Governor, I'll confront our health care crisis head on, because Vermonters are done waiting. I'll make sure Vermont receives every federal health care dollar we're owed, fight to keep our rural hospitals open, and expand access to primary care so Vermonters can get care when they need it.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about building an economy where every Vermonter can afford to stay, work, and raise a family. That starts with housing: building more homes at prices people can actually afford. I care deeply about health care, because no one should have to choose between rent and a doctor's visit. Having led the fight for Vermont's landmark child care law, early childhood policy and education remain close to my heart. And having grown up in rural Vermont, I'm committed to strengthening, not squeezing, our rural communities. Together, we can build a Vermont that works for all of us.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Hundreds of Vermonters from all over the state have endorsed Aly because they now she's ready to lead on day one. In addition to individual endorsements, Aly has earned the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters of Vermont, the Vermont Building and Construction Trades Council, and Iron Workers Local 7.