Richard Mazza

Richard Mazza

Democratic Party

Prior offices

Vermont House of Representatives

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Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District

Successor: Andrew Julow

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Personal

Religion

Christian: Catholic

Profession

Business Owner/Grocer

Richard Mazza (Democratic Party) was a member of the Vermont State Senate, representing Grand Isle District. He assumed office in 1985. He left office on April 8, 2024.

Mazza (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Vermont State Senate to represent Grand Isle District. He won in the general election on November 8, 2022.

He previously served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1972 to 1976. Mazza left office on April 4, 2024 due to health reasons and died on May 25, 2024.

Biography

Mazza received his diploma from Winooski High School.

Mazza is the owner of Dick Mazza's General Store.

He was previously a member of the Transportation Committee Council from 1974 to 1976 and the Legislative Council from 1991 to 1992.

Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.

2023-2024

Mazza was assigned to the following committees:

• Joint Transportation Oversight Committee, Chair
• Institutions Committee
• Senate Transportation Committee, Chair
• Senate Rules Committee, Vice Chair
• Judicial Rules Committee

2021-2022

Mazza was assigned to the following committees:

• Canvassing Committee
• Joint Rules Committee
• Joint Transportation Oversight Committee, Chair
• Legislative Council Committee
• Legislative Management Committee
• Institutions Committee
• Senate Rules Committee, Vice chair
• Senate Transportation Committee, Chair

2019-2020

Mazza was assigned to the following committees:

• Legislative Management Committee
• Joint Transportation Oversight Committee, ex officio
• Joint Rules Committee
• Institutions Committee
• Senate Transportation Committee, Chair
• Senate Rules Committee, Vice Chair
• Canvassing Committee

2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Mazza served on the following committees:

2013-2014

In the 2013-2014 legislative session, Mazza served on the following committees:

2011-2012

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Mazza served on these committees:

2009-2010

In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Mazza served on these committees:

Vermont committee assignments, 2009
• Institutions
• Transportation

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Elections

2022

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2022

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District

Incumbent Richard Mazza defeated Stephen Bellows in the general election for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Mazza (D)	73.0	7,225
		Stephen Bellows (R)	26.6	2,634
		Other/Write-in votes	0.3	32

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,891
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District

Incumbent Richard Mazza advanced from the Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District on August 9, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Mazza	98.5	2,977
		Other/Write-in votes	1.5	44

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,021
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District

Stephen Bellows advanced from the Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District on August 9, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Stephen Bellows	96.0	888
		Other/Write-in votes	4.0	37

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 925
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

Note: Due to fusion voting, Vermont candidates may appear on the ballot with multiple party affiliations. In those cases, the first party listed on the official ballot is the person's foremost political party. Please note that our ordering of political parties may not match the official list's order. For those candidates, please consult the official candidate list to see the correct party order.

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2020

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District

Incumbent Richard Mazza won election in the general election for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Mazza (D / R)	97.8	11,241
		Other/Write-in votes	2.2	256

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 11,497
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District

Incumbent Richard Mazza advanced from the Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Mazza	98.6	3,152
		Other/Write-in votes	1.4	46

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,198
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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2018

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2018

In addition to running as a Democratic Party candidate, Mazza cross-filed to also run with the Republican Party in 2018.

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District

Incumbent Richard Mazza won election in the general election for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Mazza (D)	97.8	8,253
		Other/Write-in votes	2.2	184

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,437
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District

Incumbent Richard Mazza advanced from the Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District on August 14, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Mazza	100.0	1,713

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,713
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the Vermont State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 26, 2016.

Incumbent Richard Mazza ran unopposed in the Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District general election.

Vermont State Senate, Grand Isle District General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Richard Mazza Incumbent (unopposed)	100.00%	9,771
Total Votes				9,771
Source: Vermont Secretary of State

Incumbent Richard Mazza ran unopposed in the Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District Democratic primary.

Vermont State Senate, Grand Isle District Democratic Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate
	Democratic	Richard Mazza Incumbent (unopposed)

2014

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the Vermont State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 26, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 12, 2014. Incumbent Richard Mazza was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Benjamin Bosley ran as a Liberty Union candidate. Mazza defeated Bosley in the general election.

Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District, General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Richard "Dick" Mazza* Incumbent	86.1%	5,603
	Liberty Union	Benjamin Bosley	13.9%	908
Total Votes				6,511

*Mazza appeared on the ballot as both a Democratic and Republican nominee.

2012

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2012

Mazza won re-election in the 2012 election for Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District. Mazza was unopposed in the August 28 Democratic primary and was unopposed in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.

2010

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2010

Mazza ran for re-election to the 17th District Seat (Grand Isle District) in 2010. He is running unopposed. The primary took place on September 14, 2010. The general election took place on November 2, 2010.

Vermont State Senate, Grand Isle District, General Election (2010)
Candidates		Votes
Richard "Dick" Mazza (D)		7,492

2008

On November 4, 2008, Mazza won re-election by finishing first for the single-seat Grand Isle District of the Vermont State Senate, receiving 9,954 votes ahead of write-ins (121).

Mazza raised $497.

Vermont State Senate, Grand Isle District
Candidates		Votes
Richard Mazza (D)		9,954
Write-ins		121

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Richard Mazza did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Richard Mazza did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Richard Mazza campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2022	Vermont State Senate Grand Isle District	Won general	$0	$0
2016	Vermont State Senate, District Grand Isle	Won	$0	N/A**
2014	Vermont State Senate, District Grand Isle	Won	$0	N/A**
2012	Vermont State Senate, District Grand Isle	Won	$534	N/A**
2010	Vermont State Senate, District Grand Isle	Won	$770	N/A**
2008	Vermont State Senate, District Grand Isle	Won	$497	N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Vermont

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

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Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Vermont scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2024

In 2024, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 3 to May 10.

• National Federation of Independent Business

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.

• Vermont Conservation Voters

Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues.

• Vermont Public Interest Research Group: Senate and House

Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2023

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show].
In 2023, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 4 to May 12. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues.

2022

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show].
In 2022, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 4 to May 12. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: Senate and House Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2021

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show].

In 2021, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 6 to May 21. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: Senate and House Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2020

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show].

In 2020, the Vermont State Legislature was in session from January 7 to August 30. The session was in recess after June 26 and reconvened August 25 to September 25. National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: Senate and House Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2019

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show].
In 2019, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 9 through May 29. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2018

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show].

In 2018, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 3 through May 13. There was also a special session from May 23 through June 29. National Federation of Independent Business in Vermont: 2017-2018 voting record Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues. Vermont Conservation Voters Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2017-2018 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2017

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show].

In 2017, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 4 through May 18. There was also a veto session June 21. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2017-2018 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2017-2018 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues. Vermont State Employees Association Legislators are scored based on their votes on pieces of legislation supported by the organization. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2016

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show].

In 2016, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 5 through May 6. National Federation of Independent Business in Vermont: 2016 voting record Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues. The American Conservative Union: 2016 scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2015-2016 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2015

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show].

In 2015, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 7 through May 16. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2015-2016 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2015-2016 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2014

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show].

In 2014, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 7 to May 10. National Federation of Independent Business in Vermont: 2013-2014 Legislative Voting Record Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2013-2014 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2013-2014 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2013-2014 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2013

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show].

In 2013, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 9 to May 14. National Federation of Independent Business in Vermont: 2013-2014 Legislative Voting Record Legislators are scored based on their votes on small business issues. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2013-2014 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2013-2014 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2013-2014 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2012

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show].

In 2012, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 3 to May 5. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Chamber of Commerce: 2011-2012 Scorecard Legislators are scored by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce on issues that directly affect their membership. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2011-2012 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

2011

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show].

In 2011, the Vermont General Assembly was in session from January 5 through mid May. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored based on whether or not their votes aligned with VBSR’s stance on each policy. Vermont Chamber of Commerce: 2011-2012 Scorecard Legislators are scored by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce on issues that directly affect their membership. Vermont Conservation Voters: 2011-2012 Environmental Scorecard Legislators are scored based on their voting records on environmental issues. Vermont Public Interest Research Group: 2011-2012 Legislative Scorecard Legislators are scored by VPIRG on bills related to public interest issues.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.

Mazza and his wife Dorothy Hinds have two children.

See also

2022 Elections

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Footnotes

[show]

Current members of the Vermont State Senate

Leadership

Majority Leader:Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Senators

Addison District

Ruth Hardy (D)

Steven Heffernan (R)

Bennington District

Seth Bongartz (D)

Robert Plunkett (D)

Caledonia District

Scott Beck (R)

Chittenden Central District

Philip Baruth (D)

Martine Gulick (D)

Tanya Vyhovsky (V)

Chittenden North District

Chris Mattos (R)

Chittenden Southeast District

Thomas Chittenden (D)

Virginia Lyons (D)

Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D)

Essex District

Russ Ingalls (R)

Franklin District

Randy Brock (R)

Robert Norris (R)

Grand Isle District

Patrick Brennan (R)

Lamoille District

Richard Westman (R)

Orange District

Larry Hart (R)

Orleans District

Samuel Douglass (R)

Rutland District

Brian Collamore (R)

David Weeks (R)

Terry Williams (R)

Washington District

Ann Cummings (D)

Andrew Perchlik (D)

Anne Watson (D)

Windham District

Wendy Harrison (D)

Nader Hashim (D)

Windsor District

Alison Clarkson (D)

Joe Major (D)

Rebecca White (D)

Democratic Party (16)

Republican Party (13)

Vermont Progressive Party (1)