Richard Nelson is a Republican representative for Orleans-1 in the Vermont House of Representatives, serving since 2025 after his election in 2024. Born in 1963 in Newport, Vermont, he is a dairy farmer who owns Nelson Farms VT LLC with family members. He is married to Dr. Susan since 1992 and has two children, Quinn and Sydney. Nelson enjoys hunting and fishing and has been active in conservation, serving as President of NEK Trout Unlimited, State Chairman of Ducks Unlimited, and on the VT Waterfowl Advisory Board. Notable local roles include Chairman of the Derby Zoning Board , Town Moderator for Derby, and school board member for NCUHS and NCUJHS since 2010. He currently serves as Ranking Member on the House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from North Country Union High School in 1981; B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Vermont in 1985.
• Political Experience: Elected to Vermont House in 2024; House Member ; Ranking Member, House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry.