Former Gov. Phil Hoff endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sue Minter Wednesday. Hoff is the third high-profile Democrat in the state to back the former transportation secretary.
“When I was elected Vermont’s first Democratic governor since before the Civil War, I hoped I would be blazing the way for talented, forward-thinking leaders just like Sue Minter,” Hoff said in a statement. “I am glad to endorse Sue Minter for Governor because she has the proven experience and the right values to lead Vermont.”
Hoff, 90, won the 1962 gubernatorial race and broke a 100-year period of Republican Party dominance in Vermont.
He served three terms as governor and lives in Shelburne with his wife, Joan.
“I will continue Gov. Hoff’s legacy of championing Democratic values that support hard-working families, preserve our environment, grow our economy, and protect public safety,” Minter said.
Minter received the endorsements of former Gov. Madeleine Kunin and former Lt. Gov. Doug Racine during her Waterbury campaign kickoff in the fall.
“It’s about time for the second woman governor, and someday we will stop counting,” Kunin said during the October event.
Minter’s Democratic primary opponent is Google executive and former state Sen. Matt Dunne. House Speaker Shap Smith dropped out of the race last month to care for his wife, who is battling breast cancer. Former Sen. Peter Galbraith, also a Democrat, has said he is considering a run.
The Republican candidates are Lt. Gov Phil Scott and former Wall Street executive Bruce Lisman.
