Senator Seth Bongartz

Seth B. Bongartz is a Democrat representing the Bennington Senate District in the Vermont State Senate. A lifelong resident of Manchester, Vermont, he has served multiple terms in the legislature, currently chairs the Senate Committee on Education, and is noted for leadership in environmental protection, affordable housing, and nonprofit development.

Born on September 23, 1954, in Manchester, Vermont, Seth Bongartz is a lifelong resident of the area. He is married to Christine Evelti, and they have one son. An attorney and nonprofit executive, Bongartz previously served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1981–1985 and 2020–2024, and in the Senate from 1987–1989, stepping away temporarily for family reasons. His 2020 House election began his current legislative stint, leading to his Senate role starting in 2025.

Notable achievements include sponsoring legislation to close the Act 250 "ten-acre loophole" to protect farmland and forests; chairing the joint House/Senate Committee on Affordable Housing and advancing mobile home park tenant purchase rights; transforming Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, into a premier 412-acre cultural site as its president for 18 years ; and long-term board leadership, including 19 years at Burr and Burton Academy , founding and chairing the Manchester/Northshire Community Land Trust, and chairing Grow America for over 20 years. He now leads the consulting firm Gubb & Bongartz, aiding Vermont nonprofits.

Current positions: Senate Committee on Education , Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, Senate Sexual Harassment Prevention Panel, Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules .

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended elementary schools in Manchester; graduated from Burr and Burton Academy ; B.A. from Skidmore College ; J.D. from Case Western Reserve University .
• Political Experience: House ; Senate . Early roles included Southern Vermont Director for Vermont Natural Resources Council and partner at a Manchester law firm focused on environmental, municipal, and criminal defense work. Recognized for environmental and affordable housing leadership.