Phil Scott Wins Sixth Term as Democrats Gain Ground

Gov. Phil Scott won his sixth term as Vermont’s chief executive on Tuesday.

The Republican held a 7-point lead over Democratic Progressive challenger Amanda Janoo, polling 52 percent to 45 percent when Janoo conceded shortly before 11 p.m. Scott was the only Republican to win a statewide race that evening. Democrats gained seats in the Statehouse, with the potential to restore their supermajority in one or both chambers.

Speaking to supporters in Montpelier, Scott called the election hard fought and praised Janoo’s energetic campaign. He said their debates were civil and respectful. Scott hugged his daughters and thanked his staff and family. He told the crowd his commitment to Vermonters had not changed despite political differences with lawmakers. He vowed to grow the economy and increase the number of taxpayers rather than taxes. He said he would continue to insist that spending adds up and that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.

In Burlington, Janoo addressed her supporters at an election night watch party. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced her. Janoo said the campaign proved that another way of doing politics is possible. She noted that people told her running for governor was a terrible idea. She said the result was more than she dreamed possible. Her grassroots effort included town halls across the state and more than 1,900 volunteers. She raised over $1,000,000 from about 8,600 individual donors. She refused money from corporations or corporate PACs.

This race was closer than Scott’s three previous reelection bids. In 2024, he received more than 73 percent of the vote. In 2022, he won with 71 percent. In 2020, he secured 68.5 percent. Scott has positioned himself as a moderate Republican distinct from the MAGA faction. He promised to check the Democratic legislature and address affordability through incremental changes in housing and health care. He plans to lower education costs by consolidating school districts and using a new funding formula. The Republican Governors Association spent more than $1,000,000 on ads portraying Janoo as radical and inexperienced.

If Scott completes his sixth term, he will be the longest-serving governor since Vermont became a state in 1791. Former Gov. Howard Dean served 11.5 years. Paul Dame, chair of the VTGOP, said voters reelected Scott but warned that Republican lawmakers were losing seats. The party was on track to lose about six House seats and up to five Senate seats. Dame said Scott’s popularity protected him from disapproval of President Donald Trump. He said some Republican lawmakers were painted with the Trump brush. In Addison County, Sen. Steve Heffernan (R-Addison) trailed badly. Sen. Pat Brennan (R-Grand Isle) lost to Democrat Kim Gleason. Sen. Terry Williams (R-Rutland) trailed in Rutland County.

Other candidates included independent Brian Judd, Peace and Justice candidate June Goodband, and Freedom and Unity candidate Dean Roy. Roy is a student at Stowe High School.