Voters heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, face a legislative choice in the Vermont district covering Chester, Grafton, Athens, and Windham, where candidates Will Hoser and Tom Charlton present contrasting platforms on community representation and firearm regulation.
Will Hoser Brings Medical and Business Experience to Chester
Will Hoser brings decades of local residency and medical background to the legislative contest. Having lived in Chester for decades, he raised his three children in the area and spent over 30 years working as a physician assistant in Chester and surrounding communities. That clinical tenure gave him direct exposure to the serious health-care challenges currently facing Vermont. Beyond medicine, Hoser’s local footprint includes commercial experience as a former business owner in the medical field and as an owner of the former Heritage Deli and Bakery in Chester.
Supporters emphasize that his core philosophy centers on serving humanity rather than partisan politics, prioritizing marginalized groups, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, the homeless, the poor, the disabled, veterans, homeowners, second-homeowners, and the wealthy alike. His platform targets affordable access to food, housing, and health care, alongside physical safety and protection from harassment and legal abuse.
Divergent Records on Firearm Legislation
A policy divide between the candidates centers on public safety and gun laws. Hoser, a gun owner who has treated multiple gunshot victims during his career as a physician assistant, acknowledges firearms as a leading cause of death among children nationally while supporting legal, responsible gun ownership.
In contrast, Tom Charlton sponsored a bill in the Vermont Legislature designed to exempt firearm sales at gun shows from existing state laws that mandate criminal background checks for all commercial gun sales. Proponents of Hoser’s campaign argue that exemption would expose Vermonters to risk by allowing unchecked purchases at gun shows.
Hoser Maintains Community Visibility Through Local Events
Beyond Montpelier, Hoser’s campaign has emphasized continuous community visibility. Rather than retreating to the capital after an election, he has maintained active participation in local fixtures including the Athens chili cookoff, Grafton hot dog night, Windham firefighters’ fundraisers, and the Chester-Andover Family Center Empty Bowls Dinner. He plans to hold regular office hours to maintain direct dialogue with constituents, operating independently of political leadership.
