Robert Starr

Robert Starr

Democratic Party

Prior offices

Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District

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Vermont State Senate Orleans District

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Education

Associate

Vermont Technical College

Personal

Religion

Christian: Protestant

Profession

Business owner

Robert Starr (Democratic Party) was a member of the Vermont State Senate, representing Orleans District. He assumed office on January 4, 2023. He left office on January 8, 2025.

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

Starr served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1978 to 2004.

On April 22, 2024, Starr announced he would not seek re-election to the Vermont State Senate Orleans District.

Biography

Robert Starr earned his A.S. in agriculture from Vermont Technical College in 1963. His career experience includes working as an inspector for the Vermont Department of Agriculture from 1963 to 1964, managing motels/restaurants for Starr's Village Motel and Rest from 1965 to 1970, and working in as vice president and as general manager of Starr's Transportation from 1970 to 1984. He became the owner and president of Starr's Transportation in 1984.

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

Starr was assigned to the following committees:

• Agriculture Committee, Chair
• Senate Appropriations Committee
• Senate Committee on Reapportionment

2021-2022

Starr was assigned to the following committees:

• Agriculture Committee, Chair
• Senate Appropriations Committee

2019-2020

Starr was assigned to the following committees:

• Senate Appropriations Committee
• Agriculture Committee, Chair

2017 legislative session

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

Vermont committee assignments, 2017
• Agriculture, Chair
• Appropriations

2015 legislative session

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

Vermont committee assignments, 2015
• Agriculture, Chair
• Appropriations

2013-2014

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

Vermont committee assignments, 2013
• Agriculture, Chair
• Appropriations

2011-2012

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

Vermont committee assignments, 2011
• Agriculture
• Appropriations

2009-2010

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

Vermont committee assignments, 2009
• Agriculture
• Education

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

2024

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2024

Robert Starr did not file to run for re-election.

2022

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2022

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Orleans District

Incumbent Robert Starr defeated Samuel Douglass in the general election for Vermont State Senate Orleans District on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert Starr (D)	58.1	5,286
		Samuel Douglass (R)	41.7	3,791
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	19

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,096
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Orleans District

Incumbent Robert Starr advanced from the Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Orleans District on August 9, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert Starr	98.5	1,793
		Other/Write-in votes	1.5	27

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,820
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Orleans District

Samuel Douglass advanced from the Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Orleans District on August 9, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Samuel Douglass	95.1	1,066
		Other/Write-in votes	4.9	55

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,121
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2020

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2020

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District (2 seats)

Incumbent Robert Starr and Russ Ingalls defeated Jonathan Morin, Ron Horton, and incumbent John Rodgers in the general election for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert Starr (D)	27.1	8,668
✔		Russ Ingalls (R)	24.2	7,739
	Submit photo	Jonathan Morin (R)	16.8	5,354
		Ron Horton (D)	16.0	5,100
		John Rodgers (Independent)	15.7	5,033
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	64

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 31,958
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District (2 seats)

Incumbent Robert Starr and Ron Horton advanced from the Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert Starr	52.9	2,835
✔		Ron Horton	41.7	2,237
		Other/Write-in votes	5.4	290

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,362
= 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.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District (2 seats)

Russ Ingalls advanced from the Republican primary for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Russ Ingalls	81.6	3,318
		Other/Write-in votes	18.4	748

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,066
= 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.

2018

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2018

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

General election

General election for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District (2 seats)

Incumbent Robert Starr and incumbent John Rodgers defeated Ron Horton in the general election for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert Starr (D)	44.3	9,323
✔		John Rodgers (D)	41.9	8,799
		Ron Horton (American Party)	13.3	2,795
		Other/Write-in votes	0.5	107

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 21,024
= 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 Essex-Orleans District (2 seats)

Incumbent Robert Starr and incumbent John Rodgers defeated Ron Horton in the Democratic primary for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District on August 14, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Robert Starr	40.2	1,538
✔		John Rodgers	36.7	1,404
		Ron Horton	23.1	885

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,827
= 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 Robert Starr and incumbent John Rodgers defeated Marcia Horne and Eric Collins in the Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District general election.

Vermont State Senate, Essex-Orleans District General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Robert Starr Incumbent	33.72%	9,381
	Democratic	John Rodgers Incumbent	30.92%	8,601
	Republican	Marcia Horne	18.69%	5,199
	Republican	Eric Collins	16.67%	4,637
Total Votes				27,818
Source: Vermont Secretary of State

Incumbent Robert Starr and incumbent John Rodgers defeated Ron Horton in the Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District Democratic primary.

Vermont State Senate, Essex-Orleans District Democratic Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Robert Starr Incumbent	41.19%	1,643
	Democratic	John Rodgers Incumbent	40.96%	1,634
	Democratic	Ron Horton	17.85%	712
Total Votes				3,989

Marcia Horne and Eric Collins were unopposed in the Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District Republican primary.

Vermont State Senate, Essex-Orleans District Republican Primary, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Marcia Horne	54.48%	1,756
	Republican	Eric Collins	45.52%	1,467
Total Votes				3,223

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. Essex-Orleans has two state senators. Incumbents Robert Starr and John Rodgers were unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Marcia Horne was unopposed in the Republican primary. Starr and Rodgers defeated Horne in the general election.

Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District, General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Robert A. Starr* Incumbent	43.2%	7,168
	Democratic	John S. Rodgers Incumbent	34.5%	5,717
	Republican	Marcia Horne	22.3%	3,703
Total Votes				16,588

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

2012

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2012

Starr won re-election in the 2012 election for Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District. Starr advanced past the August 28 Democratic primary and won re-election in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.

Vermont State Senate, Essex-Orleans District, General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Robert Starr Incumbent	30.6%	8,228
	Democratic	John Rodgers	27.4%	7,379
	Republican	Jay Dudley	15.2%	4,087
	Republican	Robert Lewis	26.9%	7,234
Total Votes				26,928

Vermont State Senate, Essex-Orleans District Democratic Primary, 2012

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Robert Starr Incumbent	41%	976
John Rodgers	37.1%	885
James Guyette	21.9%	522
Total Votes		2,383

2010

See also: Vermont State Senate elections, 2010

Starr ran for re-election to the 14th District Seat (Essex-Orleans District) in 2010. He ran unopposed in the primary. He ran unopposed along with Vincent Illuzzi (R) in the general election on November 2, 2010.

Vermont State Senate, Essex-Orleans District, General Election (2010)
Candidates		Votes
Robert Starr (D)		9,224
Vincent Illuzzi (R)		9,224

2008

On November 4, 2008, Starr won re-election by finishing first for the two-seat Essex-Orleans District of the Vermont State Senate, receiving 12,731 votes as Democrat/Republican ahead of Republican/Democrat Vincent Illuzzi and ahead of write-ins (194).

Starr's opponent Illuzi raised $13,840 for his campaign.

Vermont State Senate, Essex-Orleans District
Candidates		Votes
Robert Starr (D/R)		12,731
Vincent Illuzi (R/D)		12,445
Write-ins		194

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Robert Starr did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Robert Starr 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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Robert Starr campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2022	Vermont State Senate Orleans District	Won general	$4,578	$4,802
2020	Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District	Won general	$1,467	N/A**
2016	Vermont State Senate, District Essex-Orleans	Won	$1,700	N/A**
2014	Vermont State Senate, District Essex-Orleans	Won	$2,150	N/A**
2012	Vermont State Senate, District Essex-Orleans	Won	$4,379	N/A**
2010	Vermont State Senate, District Essex-Orleans	Won	$0	N/A**
2008	Vermont State Senate, District Essex-Orleans	Won	$0	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.

Starr and his wife, Anita Cadieux, have one child.

See also

2022 Elections

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by -	Vermont State Senate Orleans District 2023-2025	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	Vermont State Senate Essex-Orleans District 2005-2023	Succeeded by -

[show]

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Majority Leader:Kesha Ram Hinsdale

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