Washington, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India-born Praneet Menon has won a seat in the Vermont House of Representatives from the two-member Orleans-Lamoille district, marking another electoral success for an Indian-origin candidate in the United States.
Menon secured 1,992 votes in the general election, while incumbent Mark Higley of Lowell received 2,815 votes. The district elects two representatives, meaning both candidates won seats. The results, therefore, do not represent a head-to-head defeat for Menon. There were also 43 write-in votes.
According to results published by FYIVT using data from the Vermont Secretary of State, both candidates appeared on the ballot with Republican and Democratic affiliations. Menon had entered the race as a Republican, according to Vermont Public’s primary election guide. His listing under both affiliations does not, by itself, establish that he switched parties.
Menon’s campaign focused on the cost of living, education, housing, healthcare and workforce shortages in the rural district. He advocated closer scrutiny of property taxes, utility bills and household expenses, alongside measures to strengthen the local tax base.
His proposals included supporting small businesses, expanding vocational training, improving access to childcare and broadband, and easing housing constraints through changes to permitting and infrastructure investment.
On education, Menon emphasised classroom resources, local decision-making and opposition to unfunded mandates. His healthcare agenda included stronger community-based services, wider access to telehealth and improved mental health support.
His campaign described its approach as “Responsible Stewardship. Practical Action.”
According to his campaign biography, Menon was born and raised in India and moved to the United States at the age of 16. He studied aeronautical and mechanical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Vermont.
The biography also says he has worked on aviation and defence programmes involving private-sector contracts with the US Air Force and Army, became a certified flight instructor and established a small software business.
Menon and his family moved to Coventry during the pandemic. His local involvement has included service on the planning commission and town finance committee, as well as leadership roles on school and supervisory union boards.
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