Becca Balint

Mark Coester is currently the only Republican running for Vermont's congressional seat against incumbent Democrat Becca Balint.

Coester sees his 2022 loss to Balint as momentum, having received the most votes for a Republican in that race since 2006.

He anticipates a lack of support from the Vermont GOP and believes another Republican, Gerald Malloy, may enter the primary.

If elected, Coester plans to focus on housing, family affordability and increasing domestic oil refining capacity.

Some people might wonder why a Republican would bother to run for federal office in Vermont, the bluest state in the country. But to Mark Coester, “Somebody had to do it.”

Coester, a Westminster small business owner, is so far the only Republican vying for Vermont's coveted congressional seat, currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, a Democrat.

Should Coester win his party's primary in August, he will almost certainly face Balint, who announced her re-election campaign last Thursday, in the November general election.

It would be a rematch of two years ago, when Coester challenged Balint and lost 29.8% to 62.3% to the then-first term House rep.

What could be seen as an easy defeat, Coester sees as evidence of “momentum,” he told the Burlington Free Press. He pointed out that he received more votes in Vermont’s 2024 general election than any Republican candidate for the seat since 2006, which is true.

"I did well, and I was mostly self financed," Coester said.

His decade-high turnout felt even more vindicating because, he said, the Vermont GOP hardly helped his campaign.

"It does irk the Republican Party that I did well without their help," Coester said. "I did it on my own."

Vermont GOP Chair Paul Dame did not answer a request for comment.

Coester said he anticipates a similar cold shoulder this campaign cycle as well.

"What I sensed back in January or February last year was that they were already looking for a different rabbit," Coester said.

He isn't sure if the party has found that rabbit yet, but he told the Free Press he's heard "mumblings" that Gerald Malloy, the Republican who challenged independent Sen. Bernie Sanders two years ago and Democrat Sen. Peter Welch four years ago, might join the race.

Malloy's recent social media posts suggest he might be weighing a run for Balint's seat.

A frequent critic of Vermont's congressional delegation, Malloy called for new leadership on Facebook following Balint's campaign announcement.

Coester said he doesn't think Malloy could win.

"It's long odds in New England of any Republicans winning any seats," Coester said. "If he does run, I believe it's totally fanciful. Even if he wins against me, I don't think he'll win against Balint."

Malloy did not answer the phone both times the Free Press called, nor did he return a voicemail left asking for comment.

What would be Coester's focus if elected? Addressing Vermonters' "basic needs," such as housing, providing for their families and paying the bills, which he believes have become increasingly difficult to fulfill in the state.

"Now young people have to room with one or two people," Coester said. "They can't afford a house or a piece of land. They have to get two or three jobs to pay for daycare. I would like to see things better in Vermont."

He also said he'd like to improve industry in Vermont and help increase the country's "oil refining capacity."

"I've heard from farmers who aren't sure if they can afford to harvest crops anymore with the price of diesel fuel," Coester said, adding, "There's going to have to be changes to how we get our energy. There's lots of energy in America."

Balint, in remarks from her announcement speech, said she has been carrying the concerns and the hopes of Vermonters to Congress.

"Vermonters hate watching powerful corporations and the ultra wealthy rig the system for their benefit while working people are left behind," she said. "I hear it from Vermonters in every corner of this state. They are frustrated and angry that they work so hard and can’t seem to get ahead. They’re disgusted that the billionaires are doing just fine while the rest of us struggle to pay for gas, groceries and health care."

She said she's worked to lower food, fuel and pharmacy costs for families, protect the environment and fight for Vermonters who are "deeply concerned about the attacks on our fundamental freedoms," such as reproductive and voting rights.

Balint spent time highlighting her showdowns with Trump administration cabinet members, too.

“I went toe to toe with Pam Bondi, and she’s gone. And I grilled Kristi Noem, and now she’d gone, too," she said, adding, "I may be small, but I make my voice heard."

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at [email protected].