Meet Your Caledonia-Essex Candidates!

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Created on Monday, 02 November 2026 02:40
Written by Asher Ballantine

The Essex-Caledonia district has 2 open seats and 5 candidates running. 

 

There’s 1 current incumbent. Deborah Dolgin, who was elected in 2025, is a Republican, seeking reelection. During her time in office, she supported tax relief efforts both for those on social security and military retirees, with her focus being on the NEK’s rural heritage. Her plan, if she was to be reelected, is to keep Vermont affordable. She hopes to expand the housing market through the 802 Homes initiative and the Community Housing Infrastructure Program. With affordability in mind, she also wishes to repeal the Global Warming Solutions Act, the Clean Heat Standard, and the 2024 Renewable Energy Standard, with the intention of encouraging the private sector rather than hindering it with mandates. Among many other things, her platform is focused on aiding the rural community and its industries by cutting back on regulation where possible. 

 

In a very unique and somewhat unusual situation, Deborah Dolgin’s husband, Steve Dolgin is also running in the same district, also as a Republican. Team Dolgin’s motto is “save Vermont” and much of the platform that Deborah has created is shared between the two. Steve has pledged to fight for a balanced budget, no new taxes, no rate increases, and no spending that the Vermont Government can’t afford, he hopes to cut programs that Vermonters have long outgrown. On top of that, he’s looking for property tax relief that will shift the burden off struggling homeowners. 

 

Team Dolgin is endorsed by Governor Phil Scott, Lt. Governor John Rodgers, and our State Senator Scott Beck. 

 

Amanda Cochrane is one of the 2 democrats on the ballot, she’s served as president of Catamount Arts and on the boards of the Caledonia Children’s Advocacy Center, the Orleans County Children’s Advocacy Center, Kingdom Recovery Center, and the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Her campaign focus is on the affordability crisis many Vermonter’s face, she hopes to help lower everyday costs and grow economic opportunity here in the NEK. She supports the expansion of affordable housing and solving the housing insecurity crisis. She also hopes to be a figure in rural leadership giving NEK the voice that will be heard rather than overlooked. 

 

Amanda Cochrane is endorsed by St. Johnsbury Select Board Member Steve Isham, Former professor at Lyndon State College Patricia Shine as well as the former Director of career services, Linda Wacholder. 

 

Democratic candidate Heather Young has focused much of her campaign on finding practical solutions for the lack of healthcare access in the NEK, as well as affordable housing and a better long-term school funding system. She is committed to being a strong communicator and listening to the problems of her potential constituents. 

 

Brandolyn Bradley is an independent who is focused on creating safe and healthy communities. She serves on the volunteer board for the Caledonia Food Co-op. She’s committed to working with anyone who’s serious about solving Vermont’s challenges, She’s not afraid to work with people from across the political aisle. Hoping to ensure housing is more attainable for young prospective homeowners and confronting insurance companies as costs and access to care become harsher. 

 

Indivisible St. Johnsbury endorsed Brandolyn Bradley, alongside Amanda Cochrane and Heather Young.