Becca Balint
Becca Balint (born May 4, 1968) is an American politician who is a member of the Vermont Senate from Windham County, Vermont, and as the president pro tempore of the Vermont Senate since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, she served as the majority leader in the state senate from 2017 to 2021.
Balint was born in Heidelberg, West Germany, and raised in Peekskill, New York. She was educated at Walter Panas High School, Smith College, Harvard University, and University of Massachusetts Amherst. She moved to Vermont in 1994, and worked at the Community College of Vermont in Brattleboro, Vermont.
She served as a town meeting representative and on the Development Review Board in Brattleboro. She was elected to the state senate alongside Jeanette White in 2014, becoming the first lesbian to serve in the state senate. Balint was selected to serve as majority leader by the Democratic caucus in 2017, and as the president pro tempore in 2021. She is the first woman and LGBT person to serve as president pro tempore in Vermont.
Early life and education
Becca Balint was born in a United States Army hospital in Heidelberg, West Germany, on May 4, 1968, to Peter Balint and Sandra Balint, and was raised in Peekskill, New York. Her grandfather was killed during the Holocaust and her Hungarian-Jewish father immigrated to the United States in 1957. She graduated from Walter Panas High School in 1986. Balint graduated magna cum laude from Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master of Education degree from Harvard University in 1995, and with a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She later worked at the Community College of Vermont in Brattleboro, Vermont.
She was trained as a historian - core research was in three areas - "African American communities, post Re-Construction, Native American land claims, and the agency and resistance shown by citizens in colonial Mozambique."[1]
She moved to Vermont in 1994. She met Elizabeth Wohl in 2000, formed a civil union with her in 2004, moved to Brattleboro with her in 2007, and married her in 2009, after same-sex marriage was legalized in Vermont. The couple have two children.
Balint supported the Vermont Progressive Party in the 2000s, and supported their gubernatorial nominee, Anthony Pollina, in the 2000 election. She served as a town meeting representative and on the Development Review Board in Brattleboro.
Elections
Becca Balint announced her campaign for the Democratic nomination for a seat in the Vermont Senate against Peter Galbraith, who retired, and Jeanette White in the 2014 elections. She raised the most money in the race, around $13,000, with donations from people such as Jane Lynch, and was endorsed by Majority Leader Philip Baruth. Brandon Batham, the chair of the Democratic Party in Windham County, served as her campaign manager and later as the campaign manager for Kesha Ram's lieutenant gubernatorial campaign. Balint won the Democratic nomination alongside White and placed second in the general election ahead of an independent and two Liberty Union candidates. She was reelected in 2016, 2018, and 2020 against independent, Liberty Union, and Republican candidates.[
Ceasefire Now Resolution
November 17, 2023: A full list of members of Congress who have called for a ceasefire in the one month since the Ceasefire Now Resolution was introduced includes: Representatives Cori Bush (MO-01)*, Rashida Tlaib (MI-12)*, Andre Carson (IN-07)*, Summer Lee (PA-12)*, Delia Ramirez (IL-03)*, Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)*, Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)*, Chuy Garcia (IL-04)*, Jonathan Jackson (IL-01)*, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14)*, Ilhan Omar (MN-05)*, Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)*, Nydia Velazquez (NY-07)*, Barbara Lee (CA-12)*, Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)*, Greg Casar (TX-35)*, Alma Adams (NC-12)*, Maxwell Frost (FL-10)*, Jim McGovern (MA-02), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Al Green (TX-09), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Becca Balint (VT), and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), and Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).[2]
Resolution condemning socialism
Fedrary 2, 2023 House Republicans moved a Resolution condemning socialism and certain dictators.
The Resolution began:
- Whereas socialist ideology necessitates a concentration of power that has time and time again collapsed into Communist regimes, totalitarian rule, and brutal dictatorships;
- Whereas socialism has repeatedly led to famine and mass murders, and the killing of over 100,000,000 people worldwide;
- Whereas many of the greatest crimes in history were committed by socialist ideologues, including Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Pol Pot, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, and Nicolás Maduro;[3]
Eighty six Democrats voted no. Forteen voted "present" and six didn't vote.[4]
Representative Becca Balint voted "Nay".[5]
No to China committee
Sixty-five Democrats in the House of Representatives voted on Tuesday January 10, 2022, against creating a committee to investigate China and find ways to counter the communist country’s growing international influence.
The House overwhelmingly voted to create the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party on a 365 to 65 margin, in one of the first votes since the Republicans took control of the chamber.
However, even though some members did not vote, all 65 lawmakers who voted against the committee’s creation were Democrats, including Becca Balint.
Green New Deal Resolution
Washington (April 19, 2023) – During Earth Week and on the four-year anniversary of the Green New Deal Resolution, Representative Summer Lee (PA-12) and Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) will reintroduce the resolution at a press conference at the Senate Swamp on THURSDAY, April 20th at 12:00 PM. Lee will also join Senator to announce new legislation focused on tackling the intersecting climate and public health crises.
The lawmakers will be joined by Green New Deal members of Congress and labor, health, climate, and justice advocates to celebrate the intersectional coalition’s achievement in getting the Inflation Reduction Act passed—the federal government’s largest-ever investment in climate and clean energy—while outlining the fight ahead to deliver a just, Green New Deal future that upholds the promise of the resolution and the movement that it inspired.
— Senator Ed Markey —Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez —Representative Ro Khanna —Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) —Representative Greg Casar (TX-35) —Representative Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) —Representative Summer Lee (PA-12) —Representative Maxwell Frost (FL-10) —Representative Delia Ramirez (IL-03) —Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42) —Representative Becca Balint (VT) —Kaniela Ing, National Director of the Green New Deal Network —Sara Nelson, President of Association of Flight Attendants-CWA —Dr. Colleen Achong, SEIU Healthcare, Committee of Interns and Residents —Jacqui Patterson, Executive Director of the Chisholm Legacy Project and Climate Justice Alliance member
Representatives Chellie Pingree and Valerie Foushee also showed up. THURSDAY, April 20th at 12:00 PM, Senate Swamp, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Progressive Turnout Project
In 2022 Becca Balint was supported by Progressive Turnout Project.
Progressive Change Campaign Committee
Progressive Change Campaign Committee endorsed Becca Balint in 2022.
Working Families Party
Greg Casar, Delia Ramirez, Maxwell Frost, Summer Lee, Becca Balint, Jasmine Crockett.
Working Families Party endorsement
The People's Slate
People's Action, together with our member groups in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Maryland, North Carolina and more, knocked on 1 million doors and made 2 million phone calls to voters in the 2022 cycle.
U.S. Senate & House of Representatives: Ilhan Omar, Minnesota U.S. House District 5, Peter Welch, Vermont U.S. Senate, Summer Lee, Pennsylvania U.S. House, District 34, John Fetterman, U.S. Senate, Pennsylvania, Becca Balint, Vermont U.S. House, Delia Ramirez, Illinois U.S House, District 3, Brittany Pettersen, Colorado U.S. House, District 7, Jason Crow, Colorado U.S. House, District 6, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Washington U.S. House District 3.[6]
Housing plan
Brenda Siegel with Addie Lentzner, Becca Balint, Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Taylor Small, Tanya Vyhovsky, Ken Russell, Teddy Waszazak.
Medicare for All
Cheryl Webb November 30, 2022.
"We’re SO thrilled to congratulate and welcome these new members of Congress who won their elections earlier this month on a platform of supporting Medicare for All!
Greg Casar - TX-35, Summer Lee - PA-12, Valerie Foushee - NC-04, Shri Thanedar - MI-03, Delia Ramirez - IL-03, Maxwell Frost - FL-10, Sydney Kamlager - CA-37, Robert Garcia - CA-42, Becca Balint - VT-at large, Morgan McGarvey - KY-03, Glenn Ivey - MD-04, Kevin Mullin - CA-15, Jill Tokuda - HI-02, Jonathan Jackson - IL-01, John Fetterman - Senator-elect, Pennsylvania, Peter Welch - Senator-elect, Vermont .
2022 CPC new members
During an event at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C., Pramila Jayapal said that 15 of the 18 candidates the CPC's political arm had won their elections as of Sunday, with another win potentially on the way.
“There’s no question this will be the most progressive Democratic Caucus in decades,” Jayapal said, adding that they will have over 100 members in the 118th Congress compared to their current membership of 99.
By the numbers: Jayapal was joined at the press conference by nearly a dozen incoming members.
They were: Morgan McGarvey (Ky.), Summer Lee (Pa.), Robert Garcia (Calif.), Shri Thanedar (Mich.), Maxwell Frost (Fla.) Jasmine Crockett (Texas), Jill Tokuda (Hawaii), Delia Ramirez (Ill.), Greg Casar (Texas), Becca Balint (Vt.) and Jonathan Jackson (Ill.).[7]
CLW
Rights & Democracy endorsements
Rights & Democracy is pleased to announce their full list of regular endorsements for the 2022 elections of 31 candidates, including statewide endorsements of Peter Welch for US Senate, Becca Balint for US Congress, David Zuckerman for Lieutenant Governor, and Rory Thibault for Attorney General.
These candidates were endorsed after a process that included an issue questionnaire, leader recommendations, and a vote of the full RAD Vermont membership that was then certified by the Rights & Democracy (RAD) Board of Directors. During this year’s member-led endorsement process RAD received more candidate questionnaires and had more members voting than ever before. This current slate of general endorsements also includes gubernatorial candidate Brenda Siegel, whose endorsement was announced in the first week of June.
“This is a year of incredible change to Vermont’s state legislature, statewide electeds, and federal delegation and we are excited to have such a dynamic slate of champion candidates across Vermont,” said Dan Fingas, RAD Vermont Movement Politics Director. “These candidates, led by US Congressional Candidate Becca Balint, are committed to making Vermont better with policies focused on racial justice, equity in education, and an intersectional approach to the climate crisis that includes a truly just transition for all Vermonters. RAD’s members are proud to be voting for these candidates on August 9th and November 8th.”
“Whether it’s advocating for housing for all, economic justice, climate action, or access to quality healthcare, Rights & Democracy has built a powerful, people-driven movement committed to improving Vermonter’s lives. I am honored to receive their endorsement again. I am proud to have been and continue to be, their partner in the work to build safe communities and a healthy democracy that works for everyone.” said Becca Balint, candidate for US Congress.[8]
Rights & Democracy endorsed Becca Balint in 2022.
Rights & Democracy VT August 9, 2022
The polls are closed, results are starting to pour in for Vermont’s Primary Day races, and we are so excited to announce the first RAD-endorsed winner from Vermont’s congressional races: Becca Balint!
Becca has been central in the work to build safe communities and a healthy democracy that works for everyone in Vermont, and is a longtime RAD champion. We look forward to seeing her win Vermont’s sole US House seat in November’s general election!
Rights & Democracy also endorsed Becca Balint in her 2020 state senate run.
Vyhovsky endorsement
In 2020 Becca Balint endorsed Tanya Vyhovsky.
Siegel endorsement
Brenda Siegel June 28, 2022.
Thank you Senate Pro Tem Becca Balint for your support. I have had the pleasure to work alongside you on housing. The overdose crisis and economic equality issues. It means so much to have earned your support and thank you for representing my family in Montpelier.
"Brenda leads with her heart. She has been a tireless advocate for issues so important to me, and to all Vermonters: housing, treatment and support for those struggling with substance use disorder, and support for working Vermonters. I am proud to endorse her."
Rights & Democracy support
James Haslam July 24, 2022
The last time Rights & Democracy VT had an in person Membership Assembly was Nov 2019 and in addition to announcing RAD’s endorsement of Bernie Sanders w/ Nina Turner and then VT State Senator Becca Balint joined now RAD ED Kiah Morris, NH State Rep. Tim Smith and RAD leader and now NH State Rep candidate Jodi K. Newell for a panel discussion on importance of movement politics and elected officials to champion people’s movements. It’s fitting now almost 3 years later, Bernie and Becca next weekend are holding a classic VT barnstorming tour w/ Western Terrestrials to help get her into Bernie’s old US House seat. Becca has the support of the members of Rights & Democracy.
Climate-focused forum
Rights & Democracy VT May 26, 2022
If you weren't able to tune in to last night's climate-focused forum with candidates Becca Balint for Congress, Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Molly Gray for Vermont and Liam Madden (Rebirth Democracy 2022), you can check out the recording of this important conversation here.
Debate co-hosted by REV, VPIRG, Rights & Democracy VT, and Vermont Conservation Voters.
Sebbi Wu moderator.
Candidates webinar
Rights & Democracy VT was live.
March 22, 2022
Join us live with congressional candidates Senate Pro Tempore Becca Balint, State Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray, and Sianay Chase Clifford.
Justice for All Vermont Rally
Event by The Campaign to End Qualified Immunity, VPIRG and Yo Ben Cohen.
This virtual event brings together Vermonters in support of S.254, the key legislation to end qualified immunity in the state.
Featuring:
- Vermont Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint,
- Ben & Jerry's cofounders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield
- Sebbi Wu, climate and equity advocate, Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG)
- Sarah George, Chittenden County States Attorney
- Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun (Windham 4: Westminster, Putney, Dummerston)
- Steffen Gillom, President of the Windham County Branch of the NAACP
- Kiah Morris, Vermont Movement Politics and Policy Director of Rights & Democracy (RAD)
Ady Barkan connection
Rights & Democracy VT May 12, 2021
Check out this article on healthcare activist Ady Barkan's role in advocating for a people's vaccine, leading up to the Biden administration's recent decision to support the waiving of COVID-19 vaccine patents. Barkan, founder of the "Be A Hero" campaign, will be a guest on our sister organization Rights & Democracy Institute's upcoming episode of The Traverse, along with Vermont State Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint! Join us on Facebook Live on May 18th.
James Haslam moderated.
Mail in ballots
Rights & Democracy VT March 16, 2021
We are thrilled that the Vermont Senate gave initial approval today on S.15, a bill that would make it permanent policy to universally mail ballots to every active registered voter for general elections and allow for a ballot curing process! The temporary adoption of this policy during COVID led to record turnout this year. S.15 has widespread public support, and as highlighted in a statement from Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint, State Senator, it is a critical step in expanding voting access and strengthening democracy:
"A bright spot amidst the turmoil [of 2020] was the record voter turnout across the nation - and here in Vermont - during a global pandemic. This record turnout was made possible in part due to vote-by-mail policies [...] From same day registration to early voting, our state has a strong track record of making it easier for people to vote. I'm proud that the Senate is contributing to that legacy by making mail-in voting the rule for general elections from now on."
19th Amendment commemoration
Rights & Democracy VT February 5, 2021.
On Monday, join Vermont leaders who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Women of Color and who identify as part of the LGBTQ community, on Zoom, to mark the 100th anniversary of Vermont’s ratification of the 19th Amendment with a call to action to further support and advance women whose identities were not reflected in the original suffrage movement and who face additional threats and harassment in their public service based on their race, ethnicity, indigeneity, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Speakers include Rights & Democracy's Kiah Morris, Vermont Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint, State Senator, Hartford Select Board Member Rachel Edens, Zoraya Hightower- Ward 1 City Councilor (Burlington), Vermont State Senator Kesha Ram, Lisa Ryan, Rutland Board of Aldermen, Rutland Area NAACP Branch President Mia Schultz, and State Rep. Taylor Small.
Vermont Renews Coalition launch
Vermont Renews launch.
Participants in the webinar: Kiah Morris, Tara Raghuveer, People's Action, Kate Logan, Senator Becca Balint, Danielle Bombardier, Vermont State Labor Council AFL-CIO, Jess laporte, Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Abel Luna, Migrant Justice, Rep. Brian Cina.
David Van Deusen Together, with our partners in RENEW, lets fight for a Green New Deal economic recovery. And, also together, let us defend democracy. Solidarity.[9]
"An economy that works for everyone"
Rights & Democracy VT June 25, 2019.
This commentary is by Sen. Becca Balint, who represents Windham County and is the Senate majority leader, and Rep. Jill Krowinski, who represents the Old North End & Downtown Burlington and is the House majority leader.
Non-conforming and transgender bill
Rights & Democracy VT April 18, 2018
Such great news for our gender non-conforming and transgender friends and neighbors here in Vermont. Thank you Rep. Selene Colburn, Brenda Keith, Rebecca Balint and all who are championing this bill. One more step forward!
Paid Family Leave digital Town Hall
Rights & Democracy VT January 30, 2018.
We can win #PaidFamilyLeave in Vermont but it won't happen without your voice and your involvement.
Join us as the 2018 legislative session begins and learn about the issue and how to get involved and exercise your voice and your power! Hear from experts, activists, workers, business owners and legislators, including House Speaker Mitzi Johnson, Senator Becca Balint, Diana Gonzalez for State Representative, Ashley Moore of Main Street Alliance of Vermont, and Nicole Mondejar Grenier, owner of Stowe Street Cafe.
Event by Vermont Family & Medical Leave Insurance Campaign, Rights & Democracy VT and Shay Totten.
Our Revolution endorsement 2022
Our Revolution endorsed Becca Balint in 2022.
JStreet PAC endorsement
In 2024 JStreet PAC endorsed Becca Balint.[10]
J Street convention
JStreet convention, December 2022, Washington DC’s Omni Shoreham Hotel.
“We support Israel because we cherish its declaration of independence and all of the goals that it aspires [to]. But I cannot support [Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin] Netanyahu’s efforts to undermine the very aspirations of the democratic state of Israel by marginalizing, annexing and compromising the rights of Arab Israeli citizens,” Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), who was elected in November to the U.S. Senate, said at a Monday afternoon plenary session.
Other congressional speakers at the conference included Reps. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Sean Casten (D-IL), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA). Reps.-elect Greg Casar (D-TX), Sydney Kamlager (D-CA) and Becca Balint (D-VT) sent remarks over video. Several senior Democrats, including House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC), House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA) and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler (D-NY), stopped by the gala.[11]
Progressive Democrats of America
Progressive Democrats of America House endorsements 2024 Alma Adams, Becca Balint, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Greg Casar, Judy Chu, Debbie Dingell, Lloyd Doggett, Chuy Garcia, Raul Grijalva, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Jim McGovern, Summer Lee, Joe Neguse, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Mark Pocan, Ayanna Pressley, Delia Ramirez, Jamie Raskin, Jan Schakowsky, Rashida Tlaib, Mark Takano.[12]
Progressive Democrats of America 2022 House challenger endorsements were Becca Balint, Greg Casar, Angelica Duenas, Maxwell Frost, Jonathan Jackson, Gary Josephson, Summer Lee, Derek Marshall, Jamie McLeod-Skinner, Delia Ramirez, Michelle Vallejo.[13]
Brand New Congress
The Brand New Congress challenger slate for 2022 was John Fetterman, Odessa Kelly, Greg Casar, Maxwell Frost, Becca Balint, Michelle Vallejo.[14]
Socialist endorsement
In 2022 Felicia Kornbluh endorsed Becca Balint for Congress.
Progressive
Becca Balint supported the Vermont Progressive Party in the 2000s, and supported their gubernatorial nominee, Anthony Pollina, in the 2000 election. She served as a town meeting representative and on the Development Review Board in Brattleboro.