The Vermont Secretary of State has released the final campaign finance reports for the 2024 election cycle, providing a detailed overview of candidates' financial activities. With the legislative session set to commence in Montpelier on January 8, all representatives and senators will be sworn in alongside constitutional officers like Governor Phil Scott and Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers. The report highlights various contributions, expenditures, and surplus fund allocations across different districts, revealing discrepancies in compliance among candidates.

Financial Transparency in the Washington-Chittenden House District

In the Washington-Chittenden House district, Democratic incumbents Tom Stevens and Theresa Wood provided insights into their campaign finances. Both received donations from the same individual post-election, with Stevens receiving 0 and Wood 0. Stevens reported a total fundraising of ,140 and expenses of ,691, leaving him with ,828 in surplus funds, which he donated as required by law. Stevens also retained ,765 from the previous campaign cycle. Meanwhile, Wood disclosed ,790 in contributions and ,450 in expenditures, with recent spending primarily on an election night party.

Tom Stevens' campaign was marked by meticulous financial management. His fundraising efforts culminated in a total of ,140, while his expenses amounted to ,691. Recent expenditures included meals, gas, administrative tasks, and a charitable contribution to the Champlain Housing Trust. Stevens adhered strictly to Vermont election laws by donating ,828 in surplus funds, retaining only ,765 from the previous campaign cycle that remained untouched. Theresa Wood’s campaign, on the other hand, showed a more modest financial profile. She reported ,790 in contributions and ,450 in expenditures as of November 19. Her most significant expense during this period was 3 for an election night party. Despite not submitting her final report, previous filings indicate she had 4 left over from the previous campaign cycle, which was not carried forward to 2024.

Campaign Finance Reporting in the Washington-2 House District and Senate

In the Washington-2 House district, Rep. Dara Torre, who won re-election, filed all necessary reports. Her campaign raised ,644 and spent ,859, covering issue advertising, election night party expenses, and gifts to volunteers. Candice White, John Burns, and Eugene Bifano did not file any post-election reports. In the Senate, only incumbent Senators Ann Cummings, Andrew Perchlik, and Anne Watson submitted complete disclosures. Cummings reported ,345 in total funds raised and ,781 spent, including a charitable donation to Christ Church Episcopal. Perchlik and Watson also reported surpluses to carry forward.

Rep. Dara Torre's re-election campaign in the Washington-2 House district exemplified thorough financial reporting. Her campaign collected 3 for the November 19 reporting period, including a 3 donation from colleague Kari Dolan. Total fundraising for the cycle stood at ,644, while expenditures reached ,859, covering issue advertising, election night party expenses, and gifts to campaign volunteers. A carryover of 6 from the previous campaign cycle and personal contributions covered the deficit, leaving Torre with a 0 surplus for the next campaign. In contrast, Candice White, John Burns, and Eugene Bifano failed to submit any post-election financial disclosures. In the Senate, financial transparency varied widely. Incumbent Senators Ann Cummings, Andrew Perchlik, and Anne Watson were diligent in their reporting. Cummings noted 0 in contributions and 9 in expenses for the earlier filing, with most of the sum spent on candidate mileage reimbursement and events. Her final report recorded ,345 in total funds raised and ,781 spent, including a charitable donation to Christ Church Episcopal for homeless housing support. Cummings also retained ,251 from the previous campaign cycle. Perchlik, despite no new contributions, reported ,585 in total expenditures, ending with a ,440 surplus. Watson added a 0 donation from the Vermont State Labor Council AFL-CIO, bringing her total contributions to ,199, with expenditures totaling ,208. She closed out the cycle with a ,081 surplus, adding to her untouched ,246 from the previous cycle. Other candidates like Donald Koch, Michael Deering, and Mike Doyle either partially or completely neglected their financial disclosure obligations, highlighting the need for greater adherence to reporting requirements.