The Republican Party, which had not ran a candidate since the 1983 mayoral election, gave its nomination to Brownell, a member of the city council from the 6th district.

Clavelle stated that he had lost the election due to him passing legislation to have Burlington pay for the health care benefits for domestic partners of city workers.

[5][6] Peter Clavelle won the 1989 mayoral election as an independent candidate with the support of the Progressive Coalition.

[7][8] He won reelection in the 1991 election as the nominee of the Progressive Coalition and faced no opposition from the Democratic and Republican parties.

Paul Lafayette, who was the Democratic mayoral nominee in 1987, was considered the strongest candidate, but declined to run to instead focus on his painting business.

[25] Paul Cook, Roger Verville, Don Prim, Matthew Gardy, and Eddie Bickford all petitioned to run in the mayoral election as independent candidates.

[27][28][29] The Burlington Police Association chose to endorse Brownell, which was the first time since 1981 that the union did not support the Progressive nominee.

Clavelle stated that he had lost due to him passing legislation to have Burlington pay for the health care benefits for domestic partners of city workers.

[35] A special election was held on to fill the vacancy on the city council from the 4th district created by Brownell becoming mayor which was won by Republican nominee Tom Ryan.