Molly Gray, a Democratic candidate for Vermont lieutenant governor, was put on the defensive during a debate after being questioned about alleged mistreatment of migrant workers at her family’s farm.
Gray faced Republican incumbent John Rodgers in a tense debate hosted by Vermont Public on Tuesday.
Unlike many states, Vermont elects its governor and lieutenant governor independently, meaning the two offices are contested through separate campaigns.
Rodgers challenged Gray, who served as Vermont’s lieutenant governor from 2021 through 2023, over an investigation into the conditions provided to migrant workers at her family’s farm.
“Your family farm was at the center of serious labor violations involving the treatment of H-2A migrant workers,” Rodgers said.
He then asked why Gray had not publicly condemned the alleged treatment and whether she had used her position or connections to influence the investigation.
Gray, who highlights her upbringing on the farm on her campaign website, appeared caught off guard. “Wow, John, this seems like a new low,” she replied.
“I’m the one running for office. My record, my experience and my policies are what voters are considering. My family is not on the ballot, so I’ll give you the chance to ask another question.”
Democratic Vermont lieutenant governor candidate Molly Gray appeared stunned when Rodgers questioned her about allegations involving migrant workers at her family farm
Republican Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers raised the issue during a heated campaign debate
Rodgers’ campaign gave Our News Outlet investigative records concerning Four Corners Farm in Newbury, where Gray says she was raised and which is now operated by her brothers
Rodgers pressed the point, noting that Gray frequently discusses the farm during her campaign and features images of herself there on her website.
“I’m honestly caught off guard,” Gray said. “I’m disappointed. There are plenty of policy issues you could be asking me about today. Targeting my family is a new low, and Vermont deserves better.”
Rodgers’ campaign shared documents with Our News Outlet from the investigation into Four Corners Farm in Newbury, the property Gray has described as her childhood home and which her brothers now manage.
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According to the records, migrant workers reported concerns about their housing in August 2024, leading state officials to open an investigation.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture documented several issues, including livestock housed beneath a kitchen, insufficient insulation, heating problems, damaged screens and flooring, as well as concerns involving a basement shower used by the workers.
The federal Wage and Hour Division later became involved and inspected the farm in October 2024, the documents state.
A January 2025 inspection by the Vermont Division of Fire Safety found additional deficiencies related to fire separation, plumbing, heating systems and bathroom standards.
State officials said the problems needed to be corrected before the housing could receive occupancy approval. The case was closed later in 2025, though the records do not establish whether Gray had any direct role in operating the farm or handling the investigation.
Gray told the Vermont Daily Chronicle that her brothers operate the farm and accused Rodgers of directing his attacks at them
Rodgers said the people of Vermont have the right to know what Gray’s involvement with the investigation was
In a statement to Our News Outlet, Rodgers said: ‘My opponent has made dignity and humane treatment of migrants, as well as her upbringing on her family farm, the centerpiece of her campaign. This was a fair question that Vermonters deserve an answer to.
‘The records show how migrant workers were mistreated, and the photos and accounts of workers are outright disturbing. That’s why state and federal agencies sustained the violations. Vermonters deserve to know when she learned about these conditions and what, if anything, she did about them, and that’s why they will reject this type of behavior on November 3rd.’
Gray told the Vermont Daily Chronicle that her brothers run the farm and accused Rodgers of attacking them.
‘My brothers and family are like thousands of Vermonters who work the land, sell produce, ship milk and try to provide food for our communities. Our family farms are what make Vermont special and for John Rodgers to attack them shows more about him than anyone else,’ she said.
‘Like many Vermont farmers, my family has worked to adapt to strict federal and state regulation when it comes to farm worker housing. With state cooperation and guidance, they were able to successfully bring worker housing on an over 200-year-old farm into compliance with new Vermont rental code standards. They care deeply about the rights, safety and well-being of their employees, whom they rely on to keep the farm going.
‘I’m going to continue to run a positive, issue-focused campaign focused on the needs of Vermonters. I encourage John Rodgers to do the same in the final days of his campaign.’
Our News Outlet contacted Gray’s campaign for comment.
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