Vermont Democrat Candidate Avoids Question on Family Farm Labor Issues
Vermont Democrat Molly Gray faces scrutiny over silence on labor violations at her family farm during a heated debate.
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Vermont Democrat Attorney General candidate Molly Gray faced intense scrutiny during a live debate when Republican Lt. Governor John Rodgers confronted her about the alleged mistreatment of H-2A migrant workers at her family farm. Gray was left speechless as Rodgers highlighted ongoing federal and state investigations into severe labor violations and poor housing conditions at Four Corners Farm in South Newbury.
According to the Vermont Daily Chronicle, Gray’s family operation was cited by multiple government agencies following inspections that revealed unlit, unventilated basement showers and serious fire, plumbing, and heating code deficiencies. Despite her campaign’s emphasis on human dignity and humane treatment, Gray has remained silent on the alleged mistreatment of workers at her family’s farm.
The exchange took place during an October 6 debate hosted by Vermont Public, where Rodgers pressed Gray on her lack of public comment regarding the issues. Gray initially dismissed the question, stating that her family is not on the ballot.
Vermont Lt Gov. John Rodgers hits Former Lt Gov Molly Gray so hard that he effectively just ended her political career.🤣 https://t.co/oUxqgF9OW0
Rodgers refused to withdraw his question, pointing out that Gray frequently references her upbringing on the family farm. According to the Vermont Daily Chronicle, state investigators identified multiple problems with the migrant worker housing, including inadequate insulation, heating concerns, and damaged screening and flooring. Livestock were also found housed directly beneath a kitchen area used by workers.
The farm employed seasonal agricultural workers through the H-2A visa program. Concerns about the housing led to a referral to Vermont’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration in August 2024, followed by an investigation by the federal Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division in October and a state inspection in November.
During a January 22, 2025, inspection, Vermont’s Division of Fire Safety declined to grant occupancy approval for the H-2A worker housing, citing deficiencies in fire separation, plumbing, heating, and bathroom requirements.
Gray has defended her family against the criticism, stating that they worked with state officials to bring the housing into compliance with rental code standards. She also criticized Rodgers for involving her relatives in the political dispute, calling it a new low.
WCAX-TV reported that Gray does not own or operate Four Corners Farm. Rodgers, however, maintained that the subject was relevant due to Gray’s repeated emphasis on her family farm in her political background.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
