Nikhil Goyal, an adjunct assistant professor of sociology at UVM and author, launched his campaign for the Vermont State Senate as a Democrat/Progressive in Chittenden-Central on Monday, Jan. 12.
Goyal’s platform aims to address affordability issues such as property tax relief, education funding, healthcare costs and affordable housing, according to a Jan. 12 campaign announcement shared with the Cynic.
“What I know is that for too many Vermonters, the dream of a decent, affordable life is fading,” Goyal said.
As a first-generation Indian American, his family’s immigration and history shaped his views on public education and immigration policy, he said.
Goyal’s grandmother organized health clinics for the poor and marched with freedom fighters working toward Indian independence from the British Empire in the early 20th century, according to Goyal.
His political career began in 2021, serving as a senior policy advisor on education and children under Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Two years later, he returned to UVM to teach sociology.
During his time at UVM, he saw that Vermont politicians are failing to deliver on affordability, with property taxes continuing to rise, Goyal stated in a Jan. 18 email to the Cynic.
“We need a new generation of leadership to lower the cost of living,” Goyal said.
According to Goyal’s campaign website, some of his top priorities will be to keep public dollars in public schools, establish universal primary care, build affordable housing and protect every member of the community.
“It is the responsibility of our legislature to alleviate the economic pain afflicting our people and restore faith in government to improve our lives,” he said.
Considering the current federal pressure on universities, another one of Goyal’s priorities is to protect academic freedom.
“We’ve got to fight back for our universities and our students. We cannot just collaborate with the Trump administration,” he said.
Goyal wants to be a voice for protecting research funding for universities, which have been heavily impacted by funding cuts.
If elected, Goyal will push for his campaign goals by working directly with the public to create a working-class agenda, he stated.
In addition, Goyal will accompany immigrants to court hearings, citizenship interviews and ICE check-ins.
“[I will] use my power and voice to defend our neighbors under attack by ICE and the overall Trump administration,” he stated.
