Representative Ashley Bartley Announces Candidacy for Vermont State Senate

Representative Ashley Bartley Announces Candidacy for Vermont State Senate Chittenden North District — Representing Milton, Fairfax, Westford, and Essex

FAIRFAX, VT — Representative Ashley Bartley of Franklin-1 (Fairfax and Georgia) and Vice-Chair of the House Committee on General & Housing today announced her candidacy for the Vermont State Senate, seeking to represent the Chittenden North District, which includes the communities of Milton, Fairfax, Westford, and a portion of Essex Town.

Bartley's announcement follows the decision by Senator Chris Mattos to not seek re-election. A lifelong Vermonter and proud Fairfax resident, Bartley has spent her tenure in the House as one of the Legislature's most dedicated advocates for housing, affordability, and the families who make Vermont's rural communities home.

"Vermont is facing an affordability crisis that is pricing families out of the communities they love," said Bartley. "I've spent my time in the House fighting to change that — and I'm ready to take that fight to the Senate. Every Vermonter deserves a safe, affordable place to call home."

"I am deeply grateful for Senator Mattos's service and for everything he has done for this district," said Bartley. "I am honored to build on that foundation. The people of Milton, Fairfax, Westford, and Essex deserve a strong, experienced voice in the Senate — and I am ready to be that voice."

“Ashley has been a phenomenal teammate in Montpelier. She’s well known for working across the aisle and being a strong voice for her constituents. I am proud to support Ashley’s run for the State Senate -- she’s the clear choice.” said Senator Chris Mattos.

As Vice-Chair of the House Committee on General & Housing, Bartley has been at the center of the Legislature's housing work. She has also served on the House Ethics Panel, the Canvassing Committee, the Advisory Council on Child Poverty and Strengthening Families, and the Basic Needs Budget Technical Advisory Committee — bringing a comprehensive, people-first approach to her work at every turn.

"The issues facing Vermonters are real and they are not new," said Bartley. "Housing, affordability, Act 181, property taxes, and education finance reform are all interconnected. When I sit on these committees, I'm thinking about the whole picture — and about the real families behind every policy decision.”

"Too many Vermonters feel like Montpelier doesn't hear them," said Bartley. "We’re seeing that proof in Act 181 now where Vermonters are rising up. Whether you live in a small town, struggle to make ends meet, or don't fit neatly into one political box — your voice matters. That's what this campaign is about. Montpelier didn’t get serious about these issues until Vermonters voted for balance two years ago. Let’s continue the work for Vermonters."

About Ashley Bartley

Ashley Bartley is a lifelong Vermonter, raised among a family of dairy farmers, who has called Fairfax home since 2020. A graduate of Champlain Valley Union High School and the University of Vermont, where she earned a degree in Political Science and Economics, Ashley brings a professional background in human resources, operations, and organizational leadership. She currently serves as a Human Resources Manager for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington.

Deeply rooted in her community, Ashley has volunteered as a tee-ball coach, served on the Fairfax Community Library Board of Trustees, helped organize Chittenden County's first Diaper Bank, and supported numerous local initiatives including the Vermont Donor Milk Center and the Franklin Home Health Agency.

First elected to the Vermont House of Representatives in 2022, Ashley lives in Fairfax with her husband Jeff, their two children George and Reagan, and their dog Duke and cat Bronx.