My Intent to Run for Reelection

Friends and Neighbors,

I am writing to share that I intend to run for reelection to represent the Chittenden 15 House district. In the coming weeks, I will be out knocking on doors to gather signatures and connect with as many of you as possible.

I will be running as an Independent candidate. This means my name will not appear on the primary ballots but, ultimately, on the general election ballot.

I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and it is a responsibility I take seriously. Over the past two terms, I have worked to build sincere relationships across the political spectrum, grounded in respect and a shared commitment to getting things right. I am also grateful to have earned the trust of my Committee Chair, who appointed me as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions.

In that role, I have focused on advancing practical reforms within our corrections system. This includes expanding the Kids-Apart program to the men’s facility with the highest proportion of incarcerated fathers, improving access to driver’s licenses and REAL ID for individuals detained for more than six months so they can better reintegrate upon release, strengthening policies and conditions for transgender Vermonters in our care, and initiating a formal study on transitioning to a non-profit telecommunications provider. That study is intended to move us toward a no-cost calls program, helping people stay connected to their families and support networks while incarcerated.

These bills have passed the House and are now moving through the Senate. I am tracking their progress closely and remain optimistic about their passage.

There is always more work to do. I believe Vermont has an opportunity to continue shaping a corrections system that prioritizes dignity, accountability, and rehabilitation. This will be especially important as we develop policy and facilities design for a new facility serving justice-involved youth and address conditions for women in our current system.

I also want to say this clearly. I believe democracy is strongest when it is active, engaged, and contested. I have been approached by several individuals in our district who are considering a run. These are people I respect. Each of them would serve our community well and I have encouraged them to follow through.

We have a unique opportunity in Chittenden 15. We can demonstrate what a thoughtful, issue-focused campaign looks like. One grounded in honest dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to keeping campaign costs reasonable. I am confident we can meet that moment.

As always, I remain committed to accessibility and transparency. I will continue to share regular updates and I welcome conversation in whatever form works best for you. A knock on the door, a phone call, an email, or meeting in person. I value hearing directly from you.

I look forward to the conversations ahead. Please keep up to date with all of my updates at:
TroyHeadrick.com

Respectfully,
Troy