Brandon Riker is a Democrat, veteran grass roots organizer, small business entrepreneur and dedicated Vermonter who represents a new generation of leaders for Vermont. Vermont needs a new direction to grow our economy while preserving, and even enhancing, the progressive policies of the state. Brandon is running for Lt. Governor because he understands the difficulties Vermont’s small businesses fa
ce in competing in a 21st century economy with 20th century infrastructure. As of now, Vermonters have the lowest rate of broadband internet connectivity in New England. This has to change if we want to grow our economy without negatively impacting our quality of life. Brandon wants to jump start Vermont’s economy by creating more opportunities for the local businesses, working to ensure that the infrastructure and workforce small businesses need is available, thus bringing new businesses and better paying jobs to our state. Too many talented people are forced to leave because they cannot find the right kind of job. Since 2010, the Vermont labor force has shrunk by nearly 10,000 workers. Vermont must do more to compete in our 21st Century economy by focusing on a competitive workforce with college preparatory classes, enhanced vocational training opportunities for every high school student, regardless of their zip code, creating additional opportunities for technology training, expanding our apprenticeship programs and by expanding broadband and cellular services to every corner of Vermont. Brandon believes in Vermont and has turned his energies to politics to ensure the people of Vermont have a voice in the state house at the policy level. He is committed to build a grass roots campaign that will engage the people of Vermont making sure their voices are heard. Brandon believes that the Lt. Governor’s office can help all Vermonters navigate the intricacies of the state by acting as facilitator when needed and can act as chief accountability officer, shining a light on areas of government that need improvements. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Brandon’s family moved to Marlboro where he attended and graduated from Twin Valley High School, a public school in Wilmington. Raised by a family of entrepreneurs, Brandon is no stranger to the hard work it takes to start your own business. Brandon graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Washington College with a degree in Economics and later earned a Master of Science from the London School of Economics. During his sophomore year at Washington College, Brandon took a leave of absence from his studies to organize for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in New Hampshire, inspired by President Obama’s staunch opposition to the Iraq War. Brandon quickly earned a spot as one of the youngest full-time staffers and served as a member of President Obama’s campaign team in seven states during the 2008 Democratic primary. During the general election, Brandon worked as the Regional Field Director in Montana, a critical 2008 battleground state. Brandon has continued his work in Democratic electoral politics, occasionally leaving his full-time job in order to work for progressive candidates about whom he feels passionate, including Senator Jon Tester from Montana and Senator Mark Begich in Alaska. Today, Brandon lives in Marlboro where he serves as a Managing Director of Teucrium Trading, LLC, a sponsor of NYSE-Arca traded products focused on agriculture. Brandon knows that he had the kind of opportunities that are not afforded to all Vermonters and it is time to give back to the state that gave him so much. That is why he is running for Lt. Governor—to try to provide the opportunity for all Vermonters to stay home, build a career and raise their families right here in the Green Mountain state.
