Former U.S. attorney in Vermont, Christina Nolan, is reportedly considering launching a Senate campaign for retiring Patrick Leahy’s seat possibly teeing up a battle against Democrat Rep. Peter Welch.
The Hill reports:
“I am definitely exploring the possibility, but I am not yet ready to announce a formal decision or make a formal announcement,” said Nolan, who filed her Senate candidacy paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission last week, according to VTDigger.
Nolan is the most high-profile Republican reported to be considering a Senate run. Gov. Phil Scott (R) has polled well against top Democrats in a theoretical Senate race, but has announced that he will not run for Leahy’s seat.
Leahy announced that he will not run for reelection in November. Welch, Vermont’s lone House member, has already announced his candidacy for the seat, setting up a heated race to replace him in the House.
Nolan was the first woman in Vermont to serve as U.S. attorney, and would also be the first woman representing Vermont in Congress should she win the Senate race.
If Nolan does decide to run, she would likely receive former President Trump’s endorsement. In 2017, Trump named Nolan the top federal prosecutor in the state.