Former councilor challenges DA
A former Burlington city councilor has launched a challenge to incumbent State’s Attorney Sarah George, centering the campaign on victim support and safety — a race that could shift local prosecutorial priorities. The contest has already drawn attention from grassroots criminal‑justice reform networks. (x.com)
Bram Kranichfeld, the Franklin County state’s attorney, formally announced his bid for Chittenden County State’s Attorney on March 30, 2026 at Dewey Park in Burlington’s Old North End. (mynbc5.com) Kranichfeld was appointed Franklin County state’s attorney by Gov. Phil Scott in September 2023. (governor.vermont.gov) He previously served as a deputy in the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office, led the Attorney General’s criminal division, served on the Burlington City Council, and was ordained an Episcopal priest. (vtdigger.org) Kranichfeld told reporters his campaign will emphasize “a justice system that is compassionate, accountable, and responsive to the whole community,” framing his pitch around restoring public confidence and victim support. (vermontbiz.com) Incumbent Sarah George has held the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s office since January 2017 and announced her 2026 re-election campaign earlier this year. (en.wikipedia.org) George has expanded restorative-justice programs in Chittenden County and helped launch the county’s first accountability court to address backlog and link people to treatment. (boltsmag.org) The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 11, 2026; both George and Kranichfeld are running as Democrats, and Kranichfeld had already said he would not seek re‑election to his Franklin County post. (ballotpedia.org) George is profiled by the national Fair and Just Prosecution network and her campaign’s endorsements page lists multiple local legislators and city councilors, signaling organized progressive and reform-aligned backing that could mobilize in the primary. (fairandjustprosecution.org)
