David Zuckerman

David Zuckerman is an American politician and organic farmer from Vermont. A former member of the Progressive Party of Vermont, he served as the 81st Lieutenant Governor of Vermont from 2017 to 2021 under Republican Governor Phil Scott. Zuckerman previously served in the Vermont General Assembly, first in the Vermont House of Representatives and later in the Vermont Senate. He was the Progressive nominee for Governor of Vermont in 2020 and 2022, later rejoining the Democratic Party.

Early life and education

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Zuckerman moved to Burlington, Vermont to attend the University of Vermont. He graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and became deeply involved in local politics and sustainable agriculture. During his time at the university, he was active in student government and various environmental advocacy groups, which shaped his future political and professional focus on organic farming and progressive policy.

Political career

Zuckerman's political career began with his election to the Vermont House of Representatives in 1996, representing Burlington. He served multiple terms, often championing legislation on agricultural policy, renewable energy, and campaign finance reform. In 2012, he was elected to the Vermont Senate from the Chittenden County district. His tenure in the Vermont General Assembly was marked by his work on the Senate Committee on Agriculture and efforts to pass the GMO labeling law in Vermont. In 2016, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, serving one term with Governor Phil Scott. He was the Progressive candidate for Governor of Vermont in the 2020 election, losing to Scott, and again in the 2022 election as a Democrat.

Political positions

Zuckerman is known for his progressive platform, emphasizing economic justice, environmental sustainability, and social equity. He has been a longtime advocate for a living wage, supporting increases to the minimum wage and strengthening workers' rights. On environmental issues, he supports a rapid transition to renewable energy, strong climate change mitigation policies, and protecting Vermont's agricultural heritage through support for small farms. He has also been a vocal proponent of criminal justice reform, including efforts to address systemic racism within the Vermont judiciary and corrections system. His stance on drug policy reform includes supporting the decriminalization of cannabis and treating substance abuse as a public health issue.

Electoral history

Zuckerman first won election to the Vermont House of Representatives in 1996. He was re-elected multiple times before winning a seat in the Vermont Senate in 2012. In the 2016 election for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, he defeated Republican Randy Brock. He chose not to seek re-election as Lieutenant Governor in 2020, instead running for Governor of Vermont. In the 2020 gubernatorial election, he lost to incumbent Phil Scott. He was again the Democratic nominee in the 2022 gubernatorial election, but was defeated by Scott a second time.

Personal life

Zuckerman lives in Hinesburg, Vermont, where he and his wife, Rachel Nevitt, operate Full Moon Farm, an organic vegetable and livestock farm. The farm is a central part of his identity and policy work, frequently cited in his advocacy for local food systems and sustainable agriculture. He is an avid cyclist and enjoys the outdoor lifestyle synonymous with Vermont. Zuckerman is also a member of the Vermont Farm Bureau and several agricultural cooperatives.

Category:American organic farmers Category:Lieutenant Governors of Vermont Category:Vermont Progressives Category:Vermont Democrats Category:University of Vermont alumni Category:Living people