Josh Williams

Josh Williams (Republican Party) is running for election to the Vermont State Senate to represent Bennington District. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Republican primary on August 11, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am an Arlington resident, a business owner and operator, a team builder, and a proven problem-solver. I am not a career politician. I have spent my career getting things done in the real world, working in real estate, public service, and operations. In these fields, results matter and excuses don't, and I have focused on managing teams, solving problems, and delivering outcomes. I believe government should operate with accountability, clear timelines, and real results, which I believe is exactly what Montpelier is missing. I am bringing these passions to my campaign for the Vermont State Senate to represent the Bennington District.

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?

Making Vermont more affordable by opposing new broad-based taxes and fees, pushing for real property tax relief tied to spending discipline, and demanding that state spending be measured against actual results rather than intentions.Reforming education without punishing taxpayers by controlling costs, measuring outcomes honestly, supporting both public schools and approved independent schools, and protecting local family involvement.Defending property rights and local control by pushing back against state policies like Act 181, streamlining permitting to avoid endless delays, and supporting responsible housing growth that respects rural character.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic affordability, property tax relief, education finance reform, property rights and local governance control, the protection of working lands (farms and forests), housing development barriers, and strengthening volunteer emergency medical services (EMS) and public safety.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Lessons from the Foothills

Josh Williams’ commitment to public service was not born in a political arena, but in the foothills of North Carolina, observing a blueprint for a life dedicated to others. His foundational work ethic was forged by his grandfather, PawPaw Frank Scott, an Army medic who survived more than a year as a Prisoner of War in Nazi Germany. Frank returned home not with stories of his trauma, but with a quiet, relentless dedication to his family, his neighbors, and complete strangers. Josh grew up in the passenger seat of Frank’s old Ford truck, watching his grandfather weave at every passerby and stop to pick up debris from the road simply to save a stranger from the hardship of a flat tire. By viewing service through the eyes of a man who served "when no one was looking,"

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Lesson first and honesty

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Represent the people in the community. Not the political party line.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One of ethical decisions for everyone.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Picking up trash in the tundra of Alaska.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Being my true "Me".

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

One of teamwork. Both moving in the direction to help Vermonters. We do what we do to make things better.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Education and affordability

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

ABSOLUTLY!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

VT Realtors, Jenifer Hoffman, Bill and Sahri Sargent, Neil Ryan with RVR.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The 1982 Knoxville World's Fair