Esther Charlestin

Esther Charlestin
Personal details
Born	1989or1990(age 34–35)
Political party	Democratic
Education	Western Connecticut State University (BA) Sacred Heart University (MA, MEd)
Awards	Leahy Award (2023) [1]

Esther Charlestin (born 1989/1990) ^[2] is an American educator and businesswoman, ^[3] serving as the chair of the Vermont Commission on Women. ^{[4] [5]} A first-generation Haitian American, ^[6] Charlestin was the Democratic nominee in the 2024 Vermont gubernatorial election, becoming the second black woman to be nominated for governor in the U.S by a major political party (after Stacey Abrams). ^{[7] [8] [1]}

Prior to running for Governor of Vermont, Charlestin was elected to the Middlebury Select Board in 2021. She was supported in her gubernatorial bid by Vermont political figures including Howard Dean, Becca Balint, David Zuckerman, and Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, ^{[9] [10]} before losing to incumbent Phil Scott in the largest Republican landslide in the state since 1946.

Political positions

Education

Charlestin advocates for a sustainable education system that eases the education tax burden for low and middle-income families. ^[10]

Housing crisis

Charlestin stated affordable housing as a top priority and focused on working with local municipalities to allow for new construction. ^[11]

Flood relief

Charlestin's policy platform for flood relief focused on promoting sustainable land use and managing stormwater run off. ^[11]

Electoral history

2024 Vermont gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Phil Scott (incumbent)	266,428	73.60
	Democratic/Progressive	Esther Charlestin	79,217	21.88
	Independent	Kevin Hoyt	9,362	2.59
	Green Mountain Peace and Justice	June Goodband	4,511	1.25
	Independent	Poa Mutino	2,414	0.67
	Write-in		81	0.02
Total votes			362,013	100.00
	Republican hold

2024 Vermont Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Election Results [12] [13]
Candidate	Votes	%
Esther Charlestin	24,007	62.3
Peter Duval	9,377	24.3
Other/Write-in votes	5,159	13.4

References

1. Stewart, Megan. "Vermont Voter Guide: Who is running for governor?". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
2. "'Like David and Goliath': Esther Charlestin's bid to bring down Gov. Phil Scott". 15 October 2024.
3. "Vermont Gov. Phil Scott wins fifth term, defeating Democratic newcomer Esther Charlestin". My Champlain Valley. The Associated Press. Nov 5, 2024. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
4. "Howard Dean will not challenge Phil Scott for governor in 2024". Vermont Public. 2024-05-20. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
5. "Commissioners | Commission on Women". women.vermont.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
6. Stolk, Babette (2024-01-05). "Middlebury educator and consultant Esther Charlestin announces run for governor". VTDigger. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
7. Mearhoff, Sarah (2024-08-13). "Esther Charlestin wins Democratic gubernatorial nod while statewide incumbents cruise to primary victories". VTDigger. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
8. Stewart, Megan. "The November election is coming up fast: Three things to consider in Vermont". Burlington Free Press. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
9. Biddix, Stephen (2024-10-24). "Gov. Scott and Esther Charlestin continue on the campaign trail, but with different styles". WPTZ. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
10. "Democratic governor candidate Esther Charlestin shares 20-year vision for Vermont". Colchester Sun. 2024-08-08. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
11. "Esther Charlestin challenges incumbent Phil Scott as he seeks fifth term as governor". The Middlebury Campus. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
12. ":: Vermont Election Night Results ::". electionresults.vermont.gov. Archived from the original on 2025-02-23. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
13. Cusanelli, Michael (2024-08-14). "Vermont Democratic governor's primary: Esther Charlestin defeats Peter Duval". WPTZ. Retrieved 2025-04-07.

Party political offices
Preceded by Brenda Siegel	Democratic nominee for Governor of Vermont 2024	Most recent