Vermont Democrats have nominated economist Amanda Janoo as their candidate in what will be the party's sixth consecutive attempt to unseat Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who is seeking a sixth two-year term in November.
Scott, a moderate Republican and vocal critic of President Donald Trump, was unopposed as he secured his party's gubernatorial nomination. He endorsed former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries and voted for then-Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump in that year's general election. If Scott wins the general election and completes another term, he will surpass former Democratic Gov. Howard Dean as Vermont's longest-serving governor.
Janoo defeated former child advocacy organization CEO Aly Richards in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Richards was backed by two former Vermont governors: Howard Dean and Madeleine Kunin, both Democrats. Vermont and neighboring New Hampshire are the only two states in the nation that elect governors every two years.
What the Left Is Saying
Vermont Democrats argue that a change in leadership is needed to address issues they say have been inadequately handled under Scott's administration. The party has consistently nominated challengers against Scott, with Richards having secured the backing of former Democratic governors Dean and Kunin during the primary. Vermont is typically dominated by Democratic voters in federal elections, giving Democrats hope that their nominee could eventually break through in a statewide race.
Janoo's nomination represents Democrats' continued investment in challenging Scott despite his repeated electoral success. The party has now mounted six gubernatorial campaigns against him since he first took office.
What the Right Is Saying
Supporters of Scott point to his broad appeal across party lines as evidence of effective governance. He won 73% of the vote in his 2024 re-election, an increase from the 69% he received in his 2022 victory. His status as a moderate Republican who has publicly broken with Trump on multiple occasions has made him popular among Vermont voters regardless of partisan affiliation.
Scott's positioning as a bipartisan figure willing to work across the aisle has been central to his electoral strategy and success. His willingness to criticize his own party's leadership while maintaining Republican registration has defined his political brand in a traditionally blue state.
What the Numbers Show
Scott won 73% of the vote in his 2024 re-election, defeating Democrat Esther (last name not provided in source). He previously won 69% of the vote in his 2022 victory. Vermont and New Hampshire are the only two states that hold gubernatorial elections every two years rather than every four. Scott is seeking his sixth two-year term as governor.
The Bottom Line
Janoo will face Scott in the November general election in a state where Democrats typically dominate federal races but have struggled against the incumbent governor's crossover appeal. Scott's high approval ratings and bipartisan positioning have made him difficult to defeat despite Vermont's Democratic lean at the national level. The outcome will test whether six consecutive attempts by Democrats can finally result in a change of leadership, or whether Scott's moderate brand continues to resonate with Vermont voters.