Burlington Council President Traverse Enters 2027 Mayor Race

Burlington City Council President Ben Traverse, a Democrat, has announced he will run for mayor in the March 2027 election. He says he wants to bring residents and local institutions together while focusing on public safety, housing affordability, homelessness, and downtown vitality. Traverse has called for rebuilding the police force and says the city must take responsibility for its challenges while seeking support from state and regional partners. His campaign sets up a potential contest with Progressive Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, who has not said whether she will seek reelection; the two have clashed over public safety policy.