Vermont voters are deciding whether to send Democratic Rep. Becca Balint back to Washington for a third term or replace her with Republican Gerald Malloy in the state's lone House district. Polls close at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, and results will stream live as they come in.
Balint, a former state Senate president, has represented the Green Mountain State since 2023, when she became the first woman and first openly gay person to hold the seat. She has built a progressive record in Congress, focusing on housing, climate, and rural development—issues that resonate in a state known for its independent streak.
Malloy, a businessman and Army veteran, is making his second statewide run after an unsuccessful 2024 challenge to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). He has sought to frame the race as a referendum on Democratic policies, criticizing federal spending and what he calls overreach in energy and agriculture regulations.
Vermont is reliably Democratic in federal elections, and Balint is heavily favored. But the contest still draws attention as a measure of Republican enthusiasm in a deep-blue state and as a test of Balint's appeal after three terms in the House. Similar dynamics are playing out in other states holding primaries or general elections this cycle, including Hawaii's House contests and Maryland's competitive races.
Both candidates have kept their messaging focused on local concerns. Balint has touted her work on rural broadband and flood recovery, while Malloy has hammered on inflation and the cost of living. The race has remained relatively low-profile, with little outside spending or national attention—a stark contrast to battleground districts elsewhere, such as those in Colorado and California.
Turnout is expected to be modest, typical for a single-district race in a non-presidential year. Election officials reported no major issues at polling places as of Tuesday afternoon. Decision Desk HQ will provide live results below as precincts report.
What to watch
- Margin of victory: How much Balint outperforms or underperforms recent Democratic baselines in Vermont.
- Rural performance: Whether Malloy cuts into Democratic margins in the Northeast Kingdom and other rural counties.
- Turnout: Whether overall participation signals enthusiasm for either party heading into the rest of the 2026 cycle.
While the outcome is unlikely to shift the balance of power in the House, the race offers a snapshot of the political mood in a state that prides itself on independence. For Balint, a decisive win would strengthen her position in Congress; for Malloy, even a respectable showing could set him up for another run.
Stay with The World Signal for live updates and analysis as results come in.
