About Rich
A Vermonter Fighting for Vermont
Born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom, Rich Thomas has spent his career building stronger communities — as a teacher, a local official, and a neighbor.
Roots in Vermont
Rich Thomas grew up in St. Johnsbury, the son of a dairy farmer and a public school nurse. He learned early that Vermont's strength comes from its people — neighbors who show up for each other, communities that don't leave anyone behind.
After graduating from the University of Vermont with a degree in public policy, Rich returned home. He taught civics at a regional high school for eight years, coaching the debate team and mentoring hundreds of students who went on to serve their own communities.
A Record of Service
Rich served two terms on the Caledonia County Select Board, where he helped secure broadband expansion for rural towns, negotiated a regional healthcare partnership that kept the local clinic open, and led an affordable housing initiative that created 120 new units.
He also served on the Vermont Housing Finance Agency board and chaired the Northeast Kingdom Economic Development Committee, working to bring good-paying jobs to a region that has too often been left out of the state's prosperity.
Family and Community
Rich and his wife, Maria, have lived in Lyndonville for over twenty years. They have two daughters — Emma, a nurse in Burlington, and Claire, a sophomore at Vermont Technical College. On weekends you'll find Rich hiking the hills he grew up on, or volunteering at the local food shelf.
Rich is running because he believes Vermont's best days are ahead — but only if we make the right investments in housing, clean energy, education, and the working families who make this state what it is.
Endorsements
Trusted by Vermont Leaders
"Rich Thomas is the kind of leader Vermont needs — someone who listens first and acts with integrity. He has my full support.
"I've watched Rich fight for our community for two decades. He never forgets where he came from or who he's working for.
"As a small business owner, I need someone in Montpelier who understands the real economy. Rich gets it.