Gaston Bathalon for Vermont Senate
A champion for our communities, our children and an affordable future.
“Gaston is steady and fair. He has the backbone for this work, and will keep the focus where it belongs — on the people, not himself.”
— Bobby Starr, Former Orleans District Senator
Gaston’s Values
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Too many families in the NEK are struggling. Taxes, winter heating bills, transportation, rent and mortgages are so high that it makes staying in the communities Vermonters have called home for generations difficult or impossible. Gaston will work to lower your cost of living — fighting for tax relief, investing in our rural economy and housing, and making sure everyone can stay warm through the winter.
Gaston knows that affordability and access go hand in hand. Gaston will push to expand broadband Internet and rural health care services like telehealth and mental health services, because Vermonters should be able to see a doctor, get help, and stay healthy without driving two hours or breaking the bank.
Gaston believes every family should be able to build a life, raise their families, and retire here in the Northeast Kingdom — not be priced out of it.
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Our schools are the heart of NEK communities. Gaston will fight to protect local control and keep rural schools open, ensure schools receive the funding they need, and keep classrooms responsive to the needs of every student. All children deserve the chance to succeed — no matter their town or circumstances. Gaston will fight to ensure that all students have a positive and healthy environment in their classrooms.
Hunger has no place in our classrooms or communities. As a member of both the Troy and North Country Supervisory Union boards, Gaston knows firsthand how universal school meals help students learn and families thrive. In the Senate, he’ll keep fighting to ensure every child has access to healthy food and every family has the support they need to get by.
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Vermonters treasure this land — from clean water and clear air to our farms, forests, mountains, and ski areas. Gaston believes in protecting what makes Vermont special while keeping it open and accessible to all — regardless of their financial situation. He’ll champion responsible stewardship of our public lands, support for local farmers and loggers, and the right to time-honored Vermont traditions — hunting, fishing, hiking, and skiing — for generations to come.
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Gaston knows the challenges veterans and their families face because he’s experienced them firsthand. Gaston will be a champion for veterans and their benefits, expand access to affordable housing for veterans, improve mental health and substance-use support services through VA and state partnerships, and ensure those who served can find good jobs and care close to home. In Montpelier, Gaston will be a voice for veterans who’ve given so much and asked for so little.
“Gaston has spent his life serving with integrity, from thirty years in uniform to local service in his community. This is the kind of leadership the NEK needs and deserves.”
— Jane Kitchel, Former Caledonia District Senator
Meet Gaston
Gaston Bathalon isn’t a career politician — he’s your neighbor, a 30-year Army veteran, a lifelong public servant, and a Troy native who believes in community service. Gaston believes every one of his neighbors should be able to build a life, raise their family, and retire here in the Kingdom — not be priced out by increasing costs of living.
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Gaston comes from French-Canadian roots and a working-class family that spoke French at home. He was the first in his family to graduate college, earning a degree from the University of Vermont. A lifelong learner, Gaston was later awarded full academic Army scholarships to attend Tufts University where he earned master’s and doctoral degrees.
Over his 30 years in the Army, Gaston rose to the rank of Colonel, culminating in taking command of the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine. A combat veteran, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He participated in “Angel Flights” where he and fellow Soldiers honored and escorted those who had died in combat from the hospital to an awaiting helicopter to begin their final ride home. This deeply moved Gaston’s belief that real leadership means standing up for others, no matter the cost.
After retiring from 30 years of service in the U.S. Army, Gaston returned home to the Northeast Kingdom. He attended his first Town Meeting shortly after his military retirement — this proved to be the significant event that began his community service. Gaston serves as the Chair of the Troy School Board and as a member of the North Country Supervisory Union School Board, the Vermont School Boards Association, and the Troy Selectboard – as well as Troy’s Town Health Officer. With everything Gaston does, he shows up with the same dedication he brought to his military service — leading with integrity, respect, and a focus on the mission.
Gaston is running for Vermont Senate to serve his NEK neighbors — to make sure rural voices are heard, to make the NEK affordable again, and to protect rural schools and health care access.
Get Gaston to the Statehouse
For decades, Gaston has shown up for us and for our nation.
Time to show up for him so he can represent us in Montpelier.