Vermont and U.S. flags on a desk in an empty, ornate legislative chamber with wooden furnishings and white columns.
The House of Representatives chamber at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

Updated 1:42 p.m.

Gov. Phil Scott appointed Jack Brigham to a vacant House seat Friday.

Brigham will represent part of St. Albans City and St. Albans Town, replacing Casey Toof, a Republican who was serving as assistant minority leader when he resigned last month. 

โ€œJack has been active in his community and understands the issues of his constituents well,โ€ Scott said in a statement. โ€œAs a lifelong Vermonter and farmer, I believe heโ€™ll bring a helpful perspective to Montpelier.โ€

Brigham currently serves on the St. Albans Town Selectboard and the Act 250 District 6 commission, according to a press release from Scottโ€™s office. He was recommended for the position by the local Republican Party. 

โ€œBrigham is a lifelong dairy farmer on the multi-generational Holyoke Farm, where they also produce organic maple syrup, raise beef, and sell hay,โ€ Scottโ€™s office said in the press release. 

In an interview, Brigham said that his โ€œmain goalโ€ is to try to keep Vermont affordable.ย 

โ€œThe price of education just keeps going through the roof,โ€ he said, โ€œsomehow weโ€™ve got to change things.โ€

Brighamโ€™s appointment is effective immediately.

VTDigger's statehouse bureau chief.