Krowinski won by 111 votes to Sibilia’s 35.
The vote was the first order of business as the House reconvened for a new biennium, and it was not nearly as close as some had predicted. Last week, Sibilia claimed to have 21 Democrats, Progressives and independents supporting her and predicted that she would win if all 56 Republicans did so, too.
In her acceptance speech, Krowinski said she was honored and grateful for the chance to lead the chamber with “renewed dedication” and urged lawmakers to work harder than ever to forge consensus.
“Collaboration is essential in this moment,” she said. “We must show up not only as individuals, not as political parties, but as Vermonters united to do the work entrusted to us by our neighbors.”
She urged lawmakers to find ways to strengthen the economy for working families, reform public education funding, tackle the housing shortage and address climate change.
“The challenges before us are clear, they are urgent, and they are complex,” Krowinski said. “Vermonters are looking for solutions to issues that they are facing today, solutions that support a better tomorrow.”
Several legislators argued before the balloting that, owing to the poor Democratic showing in the fall elections — the party lost its legislative supermajority —the leadership should change.
Rep. Elizabeth Burrows (D/P-West Winsdor) said a vote for Sibilia was a vote for “transparency, communication and inclusion.”
“We have some strong voices in the House. We also have voices that must be heard but have not been,” she said.
While Sibilia was banking on Republican support, it didn’t fully materialize. Despite being an independent, Sibilia was closely aligned with Democrats on many policies reviled by Republicans, particularly the clean heat standard.
Republican leaders declined to publicly endorse Sibilia, and some prominent Republicans, such as Rep. Ashley Bartley (R-Fairfax), backed Krowinski. Before the vote, another prominent Republican, Rep. Tom Burditt (R-West Rutland), expressed support for Krowinski when he seconded her nomination.
“With the monumental task that we have on our agenda in the coming biennium, we need the experience and leadership Jill brings to the table,” Burditt said. “We need to hit the ground running, now.”
In the Senate, Phil Baruth retained his position as president pro tempore after Sen. Randy Brock (R-Franklin) withdrew his challenge.
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This article appears in Dec 25, 2024 – Jan 7, 2025.
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