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Burlington City Council Faces Potential Power Shift
Contested races in Wards 7 and 8 could impact the balance of power on the city council.
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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The upcoming Burlington City Council elections in Wards 7 and 8 could significantly impact the balance of power on the council. Currently, the council has 7 Democrats and 5 Progressives, but if the Democratic incumbents in those two wards lose their seats, the council would be evenly split 6-6 between the two parties. This could make it difficult to pass meaningful policies without more collaboration between the parties.
Why it matters
The outcome of these council races will determine whether the Democrats or Progressives have a majority, which could shift the policy priorities and decision-making process of the city government. A Democratic majority could allow them to be "more bold" with their policy decisions, while an even split would require more compromise between the parties.
The details
In Ward 7, Democratic incumbent Evan Litwin is running against Progressive challenger Bill Standen. In Ward 8, Democratic challenger Ryan Nick is running against Progressive incumbent Marek Broderick. If both Democratic candidates win, the council would have an 8-4 Democratic majority, potentially allowing them to override mayoral vetoes. But if both Progressive candidates win, the council would be evenly split 6-6, making it difficult to pass policies without collaboration.
- The Burlington City Council election will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
The players
Evan Litwin
Democratic incumbent city councilor for Ward 7.
Bill Standen
Progressive challenger for the Ward 7 city council seat.
Marek Broderick
Progressive incumbent city councilor for Ward 8.
Ryan Nick
Democratic challenger for the Ward 8 city council seat.
What they’re saying
“It just makes it really difficult to get any meaningful policy passed without a lot more collaboration.”
— Evan Litwin, City Councilor (WCAX)
“If myself or Bill win and the other one loses, then it's the status quo, seven to five.”
— Marek Broderick, City Councilor (WCAX)
“I've seen far too many of my friends have to move away because they don't have the housing opportunities or jobs, and I'd like to change that.”
— Ryan Nick, Democratic Challenger (WCAX)
What’s next
The Burlington City Council election will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and the results will determine the balance of power on the council.
The takeaway
The upcoming Burlington City Council elections in Wards 7 and 8 could have a significant impact on the city's policy priorities and decision-making process, with the potential for a power shift between the Democratic and Progressive parties on the council.
