WEST HARTFORD — The vice chairman of the Hartford Selectboard has been appointed to fill one of the town’s seats in the state House of Representatives.
Michael Hoyt, of West Hartford, will represent the Windsor-4 district, which includes Bridgewater, Pomfret, Barnard and part of Hartford.
“I believe Mike’s experience working in state government as well as serving in his local community will bring a valuable perspective to Montpelier,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a news release announcing Hoyt’s appointment. “I appreciate his willingness to step up and serve.”
Hoyt’s name was among those on a list submitted by area Democratic Party members, according to the release. He will serve the remainder of Heather Surprenant’s term.
Hoyt, who grew up in Norwich, was elected to the Hartford Selectboard during a special election in 2021 and served as chair of the board from March 2022 to March 2025, before becoming vice chair. A graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School, he currently works for Dartmouth College’s Office of Integrity and Compliance.
“I have a feeling if I enjoy my time up there, I would definitely consider running for reelection,” Hoyt said in a phone interview.
He noted that his term on the Hartford Selectboard ends in March 2026 and that he will not run again for that post.
Hoyt will replace Surprenant, a Barnard Democrat who started representing the district in 2021.
Surprenant, who ran unopposed and was reelected to a two-year term in November 2024, resigned in September, according to a news release from Gov. Phil Scott’s office.
The phone number listed for Surprenant on the Vermont General Assembly’s webpage was not longer in service on Tuesday.