Peter Welch

Votes Cast

25

Yea Rate

24.0%

Bills Sponsored

10

Missed Votes

0.0%

Peter Welch is the junior U.S. Senator from Vermont, a Democrat who succeeded Patrick Leahy in 2023 after eight House terms.

Peter Francis Welch, Vermont's junior senator since 2023, brings decades of legislative experience focused on consumer protection and progressive causes. A Springfield, Massachusetts, native and graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and UC Berkeley School of Law, Welch moved to Vermont and practiced as a public-interest attorney specializing in utility rates and criminal defense. He served in the Vermont State Senate, including as president pro tempore, before winning election to the U.S. House in 2006, representing Vermont's at-large district for eight terms. In the House, he rose to senior membership on the Oversight and Reform and Energy and Commerce committees. Elected to succeed the retiring Patrick Leahy in 2022, Welch brought extensive legislative relationships and expertise to the Senate. In the 119th Congress, he serves on Agriculture, Rules, Commerce, Judiciary, and Finance committees—notably sharing the Finance Committee with fellow Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Welch's priorities include dairy and rural economies, prescription drug costs, renewable energy development, and aggressive federal agency oversight.