Vermont House Election: Menon wins seat with backing from both parties; focuses on rural issues

Indian-origin candidate Praneeth Menon has been elected to the Vermont house of representatives from the Orleans-Lamoille district in the United States, contesting as a joint nominee backed by both the Republican and Democratic parties.The district elects two representatives, with the top two candidates securing seats. In the recent election, incumbent Mark Higley emerged as the leading candidate with 2,815 votes, while Menon finished second with 1,992 votes. Both were consequently elected to the state legislature.Menon initially entered the electoral race as a republican candidate before securing the endorsement of both major political parties.His campaign focused on issues affecting local communities, particularly the rising cost of living for rural families, shortages of resources in schools, housing affordability, healthcare access, job creation and labour shortages.He also advocated greater scrutiny of property taxes and utility bills, alongside measures to support small businesses, strengthen vocational education and improve broadband connectivity. His campaign was built around the slogan, “Responsible leadership, practical action”.Born and raised in India, Menon moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue higher education. He studied aeronautical and mechanical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before completing a master's degree at the University of Vermont.Menon has professional experience in the aviation and defence sectors, having worked on projects for the US air force and Army.