Republican Candidate Gerald Malloy Critiques Progressive Policies in Vermont

Gerald Malloy, a Republican and Army veteran, is running for Vermont’s single U.S. House seat against current representative Becca Balint (D-VT). In a recent conversation with Breitbart News, he expressed that years of progressive rule have led to rising affordability issues and prompted many residents to leave the state, indicating that voters may be ready for a change in leadership.

Previously, Malloy ran for the U.S. Senate in 2022 against Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in 2024. He secured 76 percent of the vote in the 2026 Republican primary for Vermont’s at-large U.S. House seat. “I think we’re looking at what might be a surprising win for the GOP,” he remarked.

Malloy described his past campaigns as educational, particularly in terms of fundraising and engaging with voters statewide. “I’ve met and shaken hands with over 100,000 Vermonters,” he noted, emphasizing that Vermont is currently “unaffordable for several reasons.” Many residents, he said, are moving to states like New Hampshire, Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. “I want to help change that,” he added.

With 40 years of experience in government and business, an MBA, a West Point education, and a global military service background, Malloy feels equipped to deliver tangible results. He mentioned that he narrowly lost to Sanders in their 2024 match-up, although he claims to have bested him in three debates.

He pointed to recent Republican achievements in Vermont, stating it was vital to break the supermajority in the state senate. Malloy criticized a proposed increase in property taxes discussed in the last legislative session, referencing the 60% average property tax hike that had occurred over the past seven years and the additional 14% increase that was being considered.

Reflecting on the Vermont Democratic Party, Malloy argued that “the progressive left has taken control,” alleging the party has embraced socialist policies that have resulted in a “wealth redistribution” agenda with excessive taxes and regulation. He expressed concern over the legislative clashes with Republican Gov. Phil Scott, highlighting that lawmakers had overridden Scott’s vetoes twelve times in a span of fifteen months, which he believes added more financial burdens for taxpayers and local businesses.

“Vermonters are realizing that socialism has failed,” he stated, calling out Sanders for a history of “false promises” regarding healthcare, education, and housing. Malloy believes voters are now seeking moderate representation in Washington, lamenting that it has been 25 years since Vermont has had such leadership.

He accused the state’s congressional delegation of prioritizing anti-Trump rhetoric over constructive collaboration with Gov. Scott. “What Vermonters are receiving from Congress is just anger and accusations instead of actual solutions,” he said, contrasting this with his more measured approach: “I’m not one to indulge in angry rhetoric.”

Malloy expressed a desire to work alongside the Republican governor to make Vermont more attractive to technology and innovation businesses. He identified a concerning trend of young people, particularly those aged 18 to 34, moving out of the state. “We need to focus on keeping our youth here,” he remarked.

When asked about his appeal to independents and Democrats, he responded affirmatively, noting that many are stepping away from the Democratic Socialists of America and expressing a desire for a more practical political approach. “Every day, I meet lifelong Democrats who are choosing to support the GOP,” he remarked, citing that most Vermonters are politically moderate and are gravitating toward Republicans due to a sense of pragmatism.

Malloy mentioned that while Balint may not overtly identify as a socialist, her policies have contributed to the state’s affordability crisis. He viewed her actions—such as wealth redistribution and land control—as fitting within a socialist framework. He criticized her for providing only confrontational language without any meaningful legislative impact and claimed that there has been little to no support extended to Gov. Scott from Vermont’s Congressional delegation.

His campaign centers on delivering results tailored to Vermont’s needs rather than focusing on broader national agendas. “I’m committed to addressing issues that impact our state directly,” Malloy said, emphasizing his intention to influence policies from within the system instead of participating in continuous partisan bickering.

Malloy connected his opposition to socialism to his military background, sharing how his service in various regions of the world reinforced his belief in the values embedded in the Constitution. “If those enamored with socialism spent time in a communist country, I think they’d see the grim reality and reconsider,” he remarked, underscoring that true freedom and opportunity stem from individual rights, not government control.

As he wrapped up the interview, Malloy stressed the significance of the upcoming election and the risks posed by socialism, declaring, “It’s clear now—this progressive experiment has derailed. Vermont is ready to reject it, just as the entire nation should.”