Richard Westman

Richard Westman

Republican Party

Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Tenure

2011 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

14

Prior offices

Vermont House of Representatives

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Compensation

Base salary

$843.32/week during session

Per diem

No per diem paid during session. Members can receive $168.66/day in per diem outside of session.

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Lamoille Union High School, 1977

Bachelor's

Johnson State College, 1982

Personal

Religion

Christian: Protestant

Profession

Farmer/Landlord

Contact

Official website

Personal Facebook

Personal Instagram

Richard Westman (Republican Party) is a member of the Vermont State Senate, representing Lamoille District. He assumed office in 2011. His current term ends on January 6, 2027.

Westman (Republican Party, Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Vermont State Senate to represent Lamoille District. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024. He advanced from the Republican primary on August 13, 2024. He advanced as a write-in from the Democratic primary on August 13, 2024.

Biography

Westman obtained a B.A. in political science and public policy from Johnson State College.

At the time he was elected to the Senate, Westman was the Vermont State Commissioner of Taxes. He had also previously served as director of the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan. While serving in the state house, Westman was assistant majority leader from 1989-1992 and minotiry leader from 1993-1996.

Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: [email protected].

2023-2024

Westman was assigned to the following committees:

• Senate Appropriations Committee
• Natural Resources and Energy Committee, Vice Chair
• Health Reform Oversight Committee
• Joint Carbon Emissions Reduction Committee
• Joint Fiscal Committee

2021-2022

Westman was assigned to the following committees:

• Canvassing Committee
• Health Reform Oversight Committee
• Joint Carbon Emissions Reduction Committee
• Joint Fiscal Committee
• Joint Legislative Child Protection Oversight Committee
• Senate Appropriations Committee
• Natural Resources and Energy Committee, Vice chair

2019-2020

Westman was assigned to the following committees:

• Health Reform Oversight Committee
• Joint Fiscal Committee
• Joint Legislative Child Protection Oversight Committee
• Information Technology Oversight Committee
• Senate Appropriations Committee, Clerk
• Health and Welfare Committee, Vice Chair
• Canvassing Committee

2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

Vermont committee assignments, 2017
• Appropriations
• Transportation, Vice chair
• Fiscal
• Legislative Information Technology

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Westman served on the following committees:

Vermont committee assignments, 2015
• Finance
• Transportation, Vice-Chair
• Legislative Information Technology

2013-2014

In the 2013-2014 legislative session, Westman served on the following committees:

Vermont committee assignments, 2013
• Appropriations
• Transportation, Vice chair
• Legislative Information Technology, Vice chair

2011-2012

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Westman served on these committees:

Vermont committee assignments, 2011
• Administrative Rules
• Finance
• Legislative Information Technology
• Transportation

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Elections

2024

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2024

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman defeated Maureen Heck in the general election for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman (R / D)	64.0	5,776
	Submit photo	Maureen Heck (Independent)	35.4	3,197
		Other/Write-in votes	0.7	59

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,032
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman advanced from the Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on August 13, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman (Write-in)	71.0	142
		Other/Write-in votes	29.0	58

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 200
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman advanced from the Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on August 13, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman	94.1	769
		Other/Write-in votes	5.9	48

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 817
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Westman in this election.

2022

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2022

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman won election in the general election for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman (R / D)	98.0	8,003
		Other/Write-in votes	2.0	164

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,167
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman advanced from the Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on August 9, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman (Write-in)	70.5	208
		Other/Write-in votes	29.5	87

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 295
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman advanced from the Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on August 9, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman	70.8	209
		Other/Write-in votes	29.2	86

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 295
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2020

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2020

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman won election in the general election for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman (R)	97.7	11,477
		Other/Write-in votes	2.3	265

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 11,742
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman advanced from the Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman	98.8	1,882
		Other/Write-in votes	1.2	22

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,904
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2018

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2018

In addition to running as a Republican Party candidate, Westman cross-filed to also run with the Democratic Party in 2018.

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman won election in the general election for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman (R)	98.7	9,099
		Other/Write-in votes	1.3	121

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,220
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

Incumbent Richard Westman advanced from the Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District on August 14, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Westman	100.0	1,235

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,235
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the Vermont State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 26, 2016.

Incumbent Richard Westman defeated George Gay in the Vermont State Senate Lamoille District general election.

Vermont State Senate, Lamoille District General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Richard Westman Incumbent	53.10%	6,219
	Democratic	George Gay	46.90%	5,492
Total Votes				11,711
Source: Vermont Secretary of State

George Gay defeated Jerry Colby in the Vermont State Senate Lamoille District Democratic primary.

Vermont State Senate, Lamoille District Democratic Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	George Gay	63.56%	1,460
	Democratic	Jerry Colby	36.44%	837
Total Votes				2,297

Incumbent Richard Westman ran unopposed in the Vermont State Senate Lamoille District Republican primary.

Vermont State Senate, Lamoille District Republican Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate
	Republican	Richard Westman Incumbent (unopposed)

2014

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the Vermont State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 26, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 12, 2014. Incumbent Richard Westman was unopposed in the Republican primary, and was unchallenged in the general election.

2012

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2012

Westman won re-election in the 2012 election for Vermont State Senate Lamoille District. Westman was unopposed in the August 28 Republican primary and defeated Jerry Colby (D) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.

Vermont State Senate, Lamoille District, General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Richard Westman Incumbent	56.7%	6,026
	Democratic	Jerry Colby	43.3%	4,609
Total Votes				10,635

2010

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2010

Westman ran for the 18th District Seat (Lamoille District) in 2010. He ran unopposed in the primary. He defeated David Yacovone (D) in the general election on November 2, 2010.

Vermont State Senate, Lamoille District, General Election (2010)
Candidates		Votes
Richard A Westman (R)		4,294
David Yacovone (D)		4,161

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Richard Westman did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Richard Westman did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Richard Westman did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Richard Westman campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Vermont State Senate Lamoille District	Won general	$12,022	$14,000
2022	Vermont State Senate Lamoille District	Won general	$800	$185
2020	Vermont State Senate Lamoille District	Won general	$450	N/A**
2016	Vermont State Senate, District Lamoille	Won	$31,019	N/A**
2014	Vermont State Senate, District Lamoille	Won	$7,225	N/A**
2012	Vermont State Senate, District Lamoille	Won	$21,552	N/A**
2010	Vermont State Senate, District Lamoille	Won	$38,894	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Vermont

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Vermont scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].

2024

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2024, click [show].

In 2024, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 3 to May 10. National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: Senate and House Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2023

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show].
In 2023, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 4 to May 12. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues.

2022

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show].
In 2022, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 4 to May 12. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: Senate and House Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2021

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show].

In 2021, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 6 to May 21. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: Senate and House Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2020

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show].

In 2020, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 7 to August 30. The session was in recess after June 26 and reconvened August 25 to September 25. National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: Senate and House Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2019

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show].
In 2019, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 9 through May 29. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2018

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show].

In 2018, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 3 through May 13. There was also a special session from May 23 through June 29. National Federation of Independent Business in Vermont: 2017-2018 voting record Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2017-2018 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2017

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show].

In 2017, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 4 through May 18. There was also a veto session June 21. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2017-2018 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2017-2018 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues. Vermont State Employees Association Legislators are scored based on their votes on pieces of legislation supported by the organization. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2016

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show].

In 2016, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 5 through May 6. National Federation of Independent Business in Vermont: 2016 voting record Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues. The American Conservative Union: 2016 scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2015-2016 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2015

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show].

In 2015, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 7 through May 16. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2015-2016 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2014

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show].

In 2014, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 7 to May 10. National Federation of Independent Business in Vermont: 2013-2014 Legislative Voting Record Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2013-2014 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2013-2014 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2013-2014 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2013

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show].

In 2013, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 9 to May 14. National Federation of Independent Business in Vermont: 2013-2014 Legislative Voting Record Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2013-2014 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2013-2014 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2013-2014 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2012

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show].

In 2012, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 3 to May 5. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Chamber of Commerce: 2011-2012 Scorecard Legislators are scored by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce on issues that directly affect their membership. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2011-2012 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2011

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show].

In 2011, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 5 through mid May. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Chamber of Commerce: 2011-2012 Scorecard Legislators are scored by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce on issues that directly affect their membership. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2011-2012 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Westman's partner is Joan Nagy.

See also

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Officeholder

Vermont State Senate Lamoille District

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by -	Vermont State Senate Lamoille District 2011-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	Vermont House of Representatives 1982-2009	Succeeded by -

[show]

Current members of the Vermont State Senate

Leadership

Majority Leader:Kesha Ram Hinsdale

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Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D)

Essex District

Russ Ingalls (R)

Franklin District

Randy Brock (R)

Robert Norris (R)

Grand Isle District

Patrick Brennan (R)

Lamoille District

Richard Westman (R)

Orange District

Larry Hart (R)

Orleans District

Samuel Douglass (R)

Rutland District

Brian Collamore (R)

David Weeks (R)

Terry Williams (R)

Washington District

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Andrew Perchlik (D)

Anne Watson (D)

Windham District

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Democratic Party (16)

Republican Party (13)

Vermont Progressive Party (1)