Scott Retains Governorship as Democrats Reclaim Vermont Legislature

Republican Governor Phil Scott retained his seat on Tuesday, securing a sixth consecutive term in office. With 93% of the votes tallied, Scott led Democrat/Progressive challenger Amanda Janoo by six percentage points. The result confirms his hold on the executive branch, though his margin of victory is the smallest of his three previous reelection bids, which he had won by at least 40 points each.

The election results indicate a shift in the balance of power in Montpelier. Democrats have restored supermajorities in both the House and the Senate. Paul Dame, chair of the Vermont GOP, noted that Republicans will fall below the thresholds needed to override vetoes. Specifically, the GOP will drop below 19 seats in the Senate and 51 seats in the House. This legislative dynamic mirrors the period from 2023 to 2024, when Scott’s executive authority was significantly constrained.

Scott addressed the change in the Legislature during his victory speech at the Associated General Contractors headquarters in Montpelier. He described his win as a rebuke to political pundits who had questioned his viability. Scott stated that he will continue to pursue an affordable Vermont and a stronger economy despite the differing political views in the state government. He told a crowd of approximately 75 supporters that his commitment to voters had not changed.

Janoo, a first-time statewide candidate, ran a campaign focused on publicly funded universal primary healthcare and tax increases on high earners. Her operation relied heavily on grassroots efforts, fielding 1,500 volunteers who contributed hundreds of hours to the race. Financial disclosures filed over the weekend showed Janoo raised more than $1 million from nearly 9,000 individual donors. She outspent Scott by close to $100,000.

Voters cited economic concerns as a primary driver for their choices. Christopher Lammly, a retired resident of Milton, said he appreciated Scott’s moderate influence and focus on affordability. He noted that while he and his wife plan to relocate next year, they felt the need for relief from rising costs. Conversely, Sonja Hakala, a Hartford resident, expressed concern over Scott’s education reform agenda. She described his proposal to shift school budget control to Montpelier as an attempt to force changes on local communities.

Annie Sklar, a resident of Barre who previously voted for Scott, criticized the governor’s campaign strategy. She argued that Scott made assumptions about the loyalty of centrist Democrats. Sklar stated that a leader holding a Republican label in a blue state must carefully consider their constituents and avoid taking support for granted. Lou Kamiski, a 30-year-old Fayston resident, said she and her friends were ready for a change. She viewed Janoo as more attentive to the needs of younger Vermonters who are preparing to purchase homes.

Janoo held a concession event in Burlington on Tuesday night. She said her main opponent was cynicism rather than a specific candidate. She expressed a desire to remind people of their power to change things. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., called the campaign historic. He noted that a year prior, few people knew of Janoo. Sanders credited her with building a grassroots movement and outlining a vision for the state’s future.

Windsor County Sen. Becca White said Janoo’s showing validates the agenda Democrats have pursued in Montpelier. White indicated that universal primary care would be a top priority in January. She reported that constituents aligned with Janoo’s campaign were demanding policies she had previously supported. The results suggest that Janoo’s platform, including a surcharge on income exceeding $500,000 annually, may gain traction in the new legislative session.