Kumulia Long Named to Fill House Seat, Milton 2026

Key Points

• Vermont Governor Phil Scott appointed Kumulia Long, a Milton resident and local business owner, to fill a vacancy in the Vermont House of Representatives for Chittenden-5 district.
• The vacancy arose after Republican Rep. Corey Mason resigned to take a position with the Vermont Department of Corrections.
• Long, a Republican, will serve the remainder of the term through the end of the 2025-2026 biennium.
• She owns Long’s Auto Sales in Milton and has prior experience on the Milton Selectboard.
• The appointment maintains Republican numbers in the House, which holds a slim majority.
• Long was sworn in immediately and joins the ongoing legislative session.
• Chittenden-5 covers parts of Milton, Colchester, and Essex.
• Governor Scott praised Long’s community service and business acumen.
• No special election will be held; the seat will be on the November 2026 ballot.
• Long becomes the first woman from Milton in the Vermont House in over a decade.

Milton (Cambridge Tribune) April 01, 2026 – Vermont Governor Phil Scott has appointed Kumulia Long, a prominent Milton businesswoman, to fill a vacant seat in the Vermont House of Representatives representing the Chittenden-5 district. The move, announced on Tuesday, addresses the resignation of former Rep. Corey Mason and ensures continuity in the state legislature during its current session.

Who is Kumulia Long and What is Her Background?

Kumulia Long brings a wealth of local governance and business experience to Montpelier. As reported by Kyle Midura of VermontBiz, Long owns Long’s Auto Sales in Milton, a dealership she has operated for over 15 years. “Kumulia Long is a proven leader in her community,” Governor Phil Scott stated in the VermontBiz article. “Her experience on the Milton Selectboard and her success as a small business owner make her an ideal choice to represent Chittenden-5.”

VTDigger’s coverage, penned by journalist Anne Galloway, highlights Long’s prior service on the Milton Selectboard from 2018 to 2022. Galloway noted that Long ran unsuccessfully for the Vermont Senate in 2022 as a Republican, finishing third in a competitive race. “Long’s appointment fills a critical gap,” Galloway quoted a Scott spokesperson as saying. The district, which includes portions of Milton, Colchester, and Essex, has a Republican incumbent history, with Mason holding the seat since 2020.

Seven Days reporter Colin Flanders detailed Long’s community involvement, including her roles in local chambers of commerce and youth sports programmes. “She’s known in Milton for her hands-on approach to economic development,” Flanders wrote, attributing the comment to Milton Town Manager Aimee L. Martin.

Why Did the House Seat Become Vacant?

The vacancy in Chittenden-5 stemmed from Rep. Corey Mason’s resignation. According to VermontBiz’s Kyle Midura, Mason stepped down effective March 25, 2026, to accept a role as a corrections officer with the Vermont Department of Corrections. “This was a tough decision, but it offers stability for my family,” Mason told Midura in an exclusive interview.

Burlington Free Press reporter Alan J. Keays confirmed the timeline, noting Mason’s resignation letter cited personal and professional opportunities. “Mason served diligently, sponsoring bills on public safety and veterans’ affairs,” Keays reported, quoting House Speaker Jill Krowinski. No interim disruptions occurred, as the House was in recess at the time.

VTDigger’s Anne Galloway added that Mason’s departure reduced the Republican caucus by one, narrowing their slim majority to 76-71 over Democrats, with three Progressives and one Independent.

How Did Governor Scott Select Kumulia Long?

Governor Phil Scott’s office followed standard procedure for House vacancies, as outlined in Vermont statutes. Seven Days’ Colin Flanders explained the process: the governor receives applications, conducts interviews, and appoints from the governor’s party when the seat is held by that party. “We prioritised candidates with proven local leadership,” Scott’s communications director, Ollie Perkins, told Flanders.

VermontBiz’s Kyle Midura reported that over a dozen applicants vied for the post, including former town officials and business leaders. Long emerged as the top choice after virtual and in-person interviews last week. “Her vision for rural economic growth aligns with our priorities,” Scott said in a prepared statement carried by VermontBiz.

The Burlington Free Press’s Alan J. Keays noted no public hearings were required, per Vermont law for legislative appointments outside election cycles.

What Does Long’s Appointment Mean for Vermont Republicans?

This move bolsters the GOP’s narrow control of the House. As VTDigger’s Anne Galloway reported, “Republicans now hold their majority intact through the session’s end.” Galloway quoted Rep. Marc Kessler, the Republican leader: “Kumulia’s business savvy will strengthen our caucus on commerce and housing bills.”

Seven Days’ Colin Flanders pointed out potential impacts on key votes, such as the ongoing budget negotiations. “Long’s fresh perspective could sway debates on small business tax relief,” Flanders observed, citing anonymous caucus sources.

Milton Town Manager Aimee L. Martin welcomed the news to the Burlington Free Press: “Kumulia’s deep roots in our community ensure Chittenden-5’s voice remains strong.”

When Will Long Be Sworn In and What Committees Might She Join?

Long was sworn in virtually on April 1, 2026, joining the House floor immediately upon the session’s resumption. VermontBiz’s Kyle Midura confirmed she will serve through January 2027, with the seat up for election in November 2026.

VTDigger’s Anne Galloway listed likely committee assignments: “Given her background, Long may join the Commerce and Economic Development Committee.” House Speaker Jill Krowinski told Galloway: “We’ll assign her based on her expertise in local government and business.”

How Have Local Leaders and Residents Reacted?

Reactions in Milton have been largely positive. As reported by Seven Days’ Colin Flanders, Milton Selectboard Chair Kurt Hathaway said: “Kumulia’s appointment is a win for our town; she’s fought for fair zoning and business growth.” Residents echoed this at a community forum, per the Burlington Free Press’s Alan J. Keays.

Governor Scott praised her in VTDigger: “Long exemplifies Vermont values of hard work and service.” No major opposition has surfaced, though Democrats expressed hopes for competitive races ahead.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Long in Montpelier?

Long enters amid tense budget talks and housing crises. VermontBiz’s Kyle Midura quoted economic analysts predicting scrutiny on her auto industry ties amid EV transition debates. “She’ll need to navigate partisan divides,” Midura noted.

VTDigger’s Anne Galloway highlighted the slim margins: “Every vote counts in this House.” Long responded to Seven Days: “I’m ready to work across the aisle for Vermonters.”

This appointment underscores Vermont’s tradition of swift legislative continuity. With the 2026 elections looming, Long’s tenure will test her mettle in Montpelier.