Vermont lieutenant governor candidate Molly Gray was put on the spot during a debate over allegations concerning migrant workers’ housing at her family’s farm.
Gray, a Democrat and former lieutenant governor, 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 separately, meaning the candidates run independent campaigns.
Rodgers challenged Gray over her family’s connection to the farm, which was investigated after concerns were raised about living conditions for H-2A migrant workers. Gray served as lieutenant governor from 2021 until 2023.
“Your family farm was at the center of serious labor violations involving the treatment of H-2A migrant workers,” Rodgers said.
“Why did you not speak out against the mistreatment of migrant workers on your family farm, and did you use your influence to direct the investigation?”
Gray, who highlights her upbringing on the farm on her campaign website, appeared caught off guard by the question. “Wow, you know, John, this seems like kind of a new low here,” she replied.
“I’m on the ballot. My experience, my background and my policies are on the ballot. My family is not on the ballot. So I’m going to give you an opportunity to ask a different question.”
Vermont Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Molly Gray appeared taken aback when questioned about allegations involving migrant workers at her family farm
Republican Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers raised the issue during a heated debate
Rodgers’ campaign gave the Daily Mail investigation records concerning Four Corners Farm in Newbury, where Gray says she grew up and which is now operated by her brothers
Rodgers pressed the issue, pointing to Gray’s repeated references to the property during her campaign and on her website.
“I’m a little bit caught off guard here,” Gray said. “I’m disappointed. I think there are all sorts of questions you could ask me today about policy decisions. But going after my family, that’s just a new low. And we deserve better.”
The Rodgers campaign supplied the Daily Mail with documents from an investigation into Four Corners Farm in Newbury. Gray has said she grew up there, while the property is now run by her brothers.
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According to the records, migrant workers reported concerns about their housing in August 2024, leading state officials to investigate.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture cited several issues, including livestock housed directly beneath a kitchen, insufficient insulation, heating problems, damaged screens and flooring, and concerns involving a basement shower used by 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 and bathroom standards.
State officials said the problems needed to be corrected before the housing could be approved for occupancy. The case was closed later that year, although it remains unclear whether Gray had any direct role in the farm’s operations or the investigation.
Gray told the Vermont Daily Chronicle that her brothers operate the farm and accused Rodgers of targeting her family
Rodgers said the people of Vermont have the right to know what Gray’s involvement with the investigation was
In a statement to the Daily Mail, 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.’
The Daily Mail contacted Gray’s campaign for comment.