Campaign Launch and Summer Plans

Since we launched our campaign in late April, we have been busy!  Getting started meant creating a website (stroupforvermont.com), a Facebook account (John Stroup for Vermont), and an Instagram feed (StroupforVT). We formally filed our petition for my name to appear on the ballot on May 21st, and we are pacing ourselves for the months ahead.

Our digital presence is important, but the real heart of this campaign is the conversations that I get to have with the great people of this District. It is an honor to learn about your hopes and concerns for this brave little state of ours. I look forward to many more conversations.

In April, the Addison Independent ran a feature on my campaign for the Addison-3 House seat, covering my background as an ANWSD board member, my work as a Champlain College education professor, and my volunteering commitments. The piece highlighted my priorities which are housing affordability, education transformation, and healthcare access. This is a beautiful state, but Vermont's current situation is unsustainable and demands real solutions, not delay. See the article here: Former ANWSD board chair enters House race. 

We’ve had a couple big gatherings to launch the campaign - the first was Friends of Campaign launch on May 8th. We had a great turn-out and really built some momentum for the campaign ahead. And of course the Memorial Day parade on May 25th was wonderful as always. With clearing skies and wonderful community members, I joined the parade, celebrating and honoring those who have sacrificed for this country.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and visiting a number of businesses, organizations, and community leaders. 

• Housing: I toured the Vergennes Community Apartments with Addison Housing Works Director Elise Shanbacker and Engagement Manager Kara Bradford. I also attended AHW’s Annual Meeting on May 21st. Do check out their Annual Report to learn more about the incredible work they are doing across our county. At their meeting, David Hamilton, chairman of the Board, noted that, “A home is at the center of everything we hope for in a good life.”
• Economic Vitality: I toured a local business, WowToyz, for the chance to learn about a great small business. CEO Rebecca Chauvin talked about health care costs and infrastructure as key concerns for this local toy business with 10 employees.
• Legislation: It was great to stop by the Vermont State House on Tuesday, May 19th to connect with Addison County folks and visit the chambers at the end of a busy legislative session.
• Democracy: Thanks to the many people in Addison, Ferrisburgh, New Haven, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham, I filed my petition to appear on the ballot as a Democratic candidate for the Vermont House in the Addison 3 district on May 21st. I have visited all of our town clerks and town offices except Waltham (I’m coming soon, friends!).
• Education: On May 27th, I visited The Growing Tree and the Addison Community Center. Talking with Michelle Bishop, her persistence inspires and informs the way we think through the future of schools and Vermont communities. I was really grateful to visit and hear about the achievements and challenges for this new center. To learn more about Act 76, early childhood education, and the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, check out a video from the New York Times from February 14, 2026.

In addition to these site visits, I met with Vergennes Chief of Police Jason Ouellette to talk about public safety and community based policing. Addison Regional Planning Commission Assistant Director & Transportation Planner, Mike Winslow, shared ideas and goals for land use permitting, transportation issues in the state, and efforts to ensure clean water. Long time Vergennes Planning Commission Chair, Shannon Haggett, talked about Vergennes as a central hub in the vibrant ecosystem of northwest Addison County. Finally, I had an important conversation about serving our most vulnerable with Green Mountain Justice founder Tom Morgan. Their podcast, Voices from the Edge, is crucial listening - please check it out.

Last thing on my to-do list was to get the Vergennes MacIntosh Trails ready for bikers and hikers. That is a labor of love! 

As you can see, May was busy! Here’s our Summer Campaign Plan and how you can help!

Call to Action - You can participate in so many ways

Canvassing

I want to talk with as many voters as possible. Sign up to help me knock on doors in your town ahead of the August 11th primary! Mark these dates and let us know if you will participate.

• Sunday, July 19th
• Saturday, August 1st
• Sunday, August 2nd
• Saturday, August 8th
• Sunday, August 9th

Phonebanking

There are so many people to reach out and talk with.  Sign up to help me make calls.

Community Events

Getting out to community events is crucial. Let me know if there is an event I should attend. I’m definitely attending the following events:

• Sunday, June 7th 11:00-3:00pm Taste of Summer Ferrisburgh Union Meeting Hall
• June 26th 3:00-7:00pm Vergennes Farmer’s Market Vergennes Town Green - I’ll be hanging out the whole time so let’s catch up. Also, first Vergennes City Band Concert is that night!
• June 27th Noon-4:00pm Big Pride in the Little City Parade and Event Vergennes - Pride event with music on the City Green. Parade starting at the High School.

House Parties

Host a gathering at your house so I can be sure to meet as many people as possible.

Yard Signs

If you live in a visible, high traffic area and would be willing to host a sign, let me know.

Getting out the Vote

Early voting for the August 11th primary election starts June 27th! Make a plan to vote before your summer schedule gets too full. You can get information on where, how, and when to vote on the VT Secretary of State’s website.

It has been a privilege to serve this community as an elected official for so many years, and I want to take our interests and our energy to Montpelier. Thank you for your support of this campaign. See you out there!