Vermont Governor 2026: the ads, and who's paying for them

Op-Ed: As your Senator, I’ll continue to leave it on the field! Our family has a motto: no matter the task, big or small, we leave it on the field. I decided to run for the State House about eight hours into labor with my daughter — because I've learned there's no perfect moment to act, only the decision to do the work. I was raised by dairy farmers, so I learned early that the work gets done because someone does it, not because it's convenient. That's how I've approached four years as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. I'm proud of what that's produced. I helped lead tri-partisan housing legislation that brought Democrats, Republicans, and Progressives together to actually build more homes, not just talk about it. I worked on permit reform so families and small businesses stop losing months, sometimes years, to red tape before they can break ground. I passed language giving the Vermont Housing Finance Agency a mechanism to put upwards of $40 million in federal grants toward affordable housing in Vermont. I also helped pass a childcare bill giving working parents a real shot at finding care they can afford and trust. None of that happened by sticking to one side of the aisle. It happened because I sat down with whoever had a good idea, regardless of party, and got it done. That's why, after one term, I was appointed Vice-Chair of the House Committee on General & Housing, a critical committee covering housing availability, labor, and general state issues. I also serve on the Canvassing Committee, the Advisory Council on Child Poverty and Strengthening Families, and the Basic Needs Budget Technical Advisory Committee. I previously served on the Agricultural Work Labor and Employment Laws Study Committee. I carry myself with integrity, stay open and honest about my votes and why I made them — which, along with my background in Human Resources, led to my appointment to the House Ethics Panel. I voted for lower property taxes. I voted against Act 181 and spoke out against it on the floor. I voted against legislative pay increases, to support our farmers, and I'm a fierce advocate for maternal health advancement. But I'm not done yet. I want to continue to push as a member of the Vermont State Senate. Vermonters are tired of candidates who say one thing at the door, or on the radio, and do another once sworn in. Claim you're against higher taxes, then vote for them. Talk tough on public safety, then back a prosecutor who won't prosecute, or double down on policies like safe injection sites that first responders and small business owners are begging us to reconsider. People notice that gap. I'd rather tell you where I stand and let you hold me to it — that's what trust looks like. As a Representative, I kept constituents up to date in real time. I didn't wait for you to reach out. I'll keep pushing on what's left undone. Property taxes are too high, and families in Milton, Westford, Fairfax, and Essex Town feel it every time a bill comes due, at the grocery store, or at the pharmacy. That's the kind of Senator I intend to be. Not someone chasing headlines, a title, or a paycheck, but someone who shows up, does the work, and measures success by what gets built, funded, and fixed for a more affordable Vermont. Montpelier didn't get serious about these issues until Vermonters voted for balance two years ago. Let's continue that work. I'm proud to have the support of Governor Phil Scott and dozens of legislators from both sides of the aisle. I don't have every answer. But I know how to listen, I ask questions, and I know Vermont is better when we solve problems together instead of digging into our corners. I humbly ask for your vote this November so I can continue to work hard for you.

Glittering Generalities: The sentence uses vague, emotionally positive language about 'doing the work' and building 'a more affordable Vermont' without specifying any concrete policy or action — for example: 'shows up, does the work'

Card Stacking: The sentence implies that progress only came after a particular electoral outcome, selectively crediting one political shift while omitting other factors or prior efforts — for example: 'didn't get serious about these issues until Vermonters voted for balance'

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I’m proud to share Gov. Phil Scott is supporting my campaign for the State Senate and I can’t wait to continue to work with the Governor and his team to make Vermont more affordable and expanding housing opportunities for all! “Representative Ashley Bartley has worked hard for her constituents on the issues that matter most. She’s also been a good partner for my team as we work on issues like housing and lack of affordability that make it harder to live here in Vermont. As a mom with a young family, her perspective is important as we look to attract and retain more youth to grow our workforce and lower taxes. Please join me in supporting Ashley Bartley for State Senate — vote on or before November 3rd.” - Governor Phil Scott

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This election is about maintaining integrity, balance, and a fight for a more affordable Vermont. As the Vice-Chair of the critical General & Housing Committee in the Vermont House of Representatives, I've had a first hand look at our housing crisis. I've fought alongside Governor Phil Scott to protect rural Vermont while and will continue to in the Vermont Senate. I'd be honored to have you join our campaign. Vote Ashley Bartley for the Vermont State Senate!

Glittering Generalities: Vague, emotionally positive words like 'integrity' and 'balance' are used as rhetorical flourish without specific policy substance — for example: 'maintaining integrity, balance'

Loaded Language: Uses emotionally charged words to manipulate feelings rather than present facts — for example: crisis and critical.

Appeal to Fear: Creates anxiety and fear to influence decisions rather than using logical reasoning

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