Burlington City Council President Karen Paul is “strongly considering” a run for mayor, she told VTDigger on Friday.
“I have a great deal of respect for the other people who have expressed they’re interested in running,” Paul said. “For me, I know that I bring a unique perspective and a proven leadership track record, and I plan to formally announce my decision very soon.”
On Monday, state Rep. Emma Mulvaney-Stanak formally announced a run for mayor. She said she plans to seek the Progressive Party nomination.
Paul could join other Democrats who have expressed interest in running. Fellow city councilor Joan Shannon, D-South District, has said she is considering a run, as has CD Mattison. Other candidates may also emerge prior to party caucuses expected in December.
The general election, which will employ ranked choice voting, is scheduled for Town Meeting Day next March. It will be the first open race for the mayor’s office since 2012, following incumbent Democrat Miro Weinberger’s announcement in late September that he would not seek reelection.
Paul, who grew up in Burlington and works as a certified public accountant, was first elected to the council in 2008 and was elected president in April 2022. On Friday, she drew connections between her time in public office and her consideration of the mayoral position.
“The reason that I do this is because public service for me is a deeply rooted calling and I know that there’s a lot to be done,” she said. “And the reason I would enter the race is because I believe that I’m the person to get us there.”
