The Democratic gubernatorial primary became a three-way race Thursday when Transportation Secretary Sue Minter announced her resignation from state government in advance of a campaign announcement next month.
Minter, who has overseen the 1,300-employee agency since the beginning of 2015, will join House Speaker Shap Smith and former Windsor County senator Matt Dunne in the Democratic primary.
Minter has been as the Agency of Transportation since 2011, where roles included Chief Irene Recovery Officer for the state of Vermont. She also served on the federal Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, and co-chaired the White House Task Force Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery and Resilience.
Minter said in an email that her work in state government figured largely in her newly announced political plans.
"This decision is motivated by what I have seen Vermonters accomplish when we come together," she said. "I am confident that by working together we can make our state a place where our economy can grow and every family can thrive."
In a release, Gov. Peter Shumlin praised Minter’s service.
“For four years, Sue Minter has been working hard to keep Vermonters moving forward,” Shumlin said. “Whether it was overseeing recovery efforts following Irene, steadily improving Vermont’s transportation infrastructure, or managing one of the largest agencies in state government, Sue has been an invaluable asset to the state of Vermont. She is smart, driven, and an incredibly talented leader. I wish her all the best.”
Minter’s last day on the job is Friday; Deputy Transportation Secretary Chris Cole will succeed her in the position.
Minter, a Waterbury resident, formerly served four terms in the Vermont House of Representatives, where she served on the House Transportation Committee.
Sue Minter has an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a Master of Arts in City Planning from MIT.
Minter has two children and lives in Waterbury with her husband, David Goodman.
Lt. Gov. Phil Scott and former Wall Street executive Bruce Lisman are vying for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
