Hi Friend,

I’ve spent much of my life fighting for working families, and that’s a big part of why I got involved in politics—to help level the playing field.

My first real opportunity came right after I graduated law school: I had to make the decision between taking the kind of corporate law or lobbying jobs my classmates were taking—or something else. I came to White River instead, because I felt a tremendous responsibility to go where I was needed the most—right here in Vermont. For me, it was easy to choose Bridge Street over Wall Street or K Street. It’s where I became a public defender and witnessed firsthand some of the toughest systemic barriers and discrimination people face–woven right into our legal system.

And guess what, Friend? I also ended up finding a community I could call home, and I’ve been in Vermont ever since.

Here in Vermont, I found a community full of neighbors that reminded me of my parents and the values I was raised with. As a small-town dentist, my father would throw bills in the trash meant for folks he knew were struggling. My mother would make hot meals for neighbors who were struggling. Here in Vermont, I found a community of people with those deeply rooted values—like self-reliance, mutual support, and cooperation built on trust.

We deserve lawmakers who will listen more than they talk, and who focus on finding solutions more than getting credit. That’s why I’ve held listening sessions and met with constituents around the state on everything from rural development and the overdose crisis to conservation and flooding recovery.

As I reflect on my journey in Vermont politics, I’m reminded of how high the stakes are. In fact, they’re higher right now than they’ve ever been because of unprecedented threats to our democracy, our climate, and our most fundamental rights.

I’ll keep working hard for you,

Peter