Phil Scott Wins Another Term as Vermont Governor

Scott led Janoo 52.1 percent to 46.2 percent with most votes counted, securing another term and extending his tenure as Vermont governor. Janoo conceded in Burlington before Scott declared victory at a gathering in Montpelier. The 68-year-old governor has spent about 25 years in public office, including a decade in the governor’s office.

The contest was closer than Scott’s previous reelection campaigns. Janoo, a 39-year-old political newcomer, drew large crowds and raised more money than Scott from a larger number of donors. She campaigned on universal primary and preventive health care and higher taxes on wealthy residents. Scott questioned how her health care plans would be paid for and promised tax cuts in the coming legislative session.

Scott campaigned as a check on the Democratic legislative majority. He has sought to distinguish himself from President Donald Trump and has emphasized civility, while retaining support from Republicans, independents and Democrats who sometimes split their tickets. Scott said he would continue working for a more affordable Vermont, while acknowledging differences with the legislature.

Democrat Molly Gray defeated Republican Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint won reelection. Republicans also lost legislative seats, with Democrats appearing close to reclaiming a supermajority. Janoo said her campaign had exceeded her expectations and shifted the political conversation, despite falling short of victory.

Vermont Progressives Fall Short Despite Strong Challenge to Scott

Amanda Janoo’s energetic campaign put a progressive challenge to Republican Gov. Phil Scott on the map, but it was not enough to win Vermont’s governor’s office. Scott led 52.1 percent to 46.2 percent with most votes counted. Janoo conceded in Burlington, and Scott claimed victory in Montpelier.

Janoo, a political newcomer, drew large crowds and raised more money than Scott from more donors. She called for universal primary and preventive health care and higher taxes on wealthy residents. Scott questioned how her health care proposals would be funded and instead pledged tax cuts. The choice leaves voters with a governor who campaigned against the Democratic legislative majority and a legislature moving toward a Democratic supermajority.

The result is a setback for progressives seeking to turn a strong campaign into control of the governor’s office. Janoo said her run had expanded the political imagination and shifted the conversation. Democrats nevertheless defeated Republican Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, returned Molly Gray to that post and reelected U.S. Rep. Becca Balint. Scott, who has worked to distinguish himself from Donald Trump, will again have to govern alongside a legislature with substantially different views.

Scott Wins Again, Defeating Progressive Push for Higher Taxes

Vermont voters returned Republican Gov. Phil Scott to office, rejecting a strong challenge from progressive Democrat Amanda Janoo. Scott led 52.1 percent to 46.2 percent with most votes counted. His victory preserves a governor who has promised to serve as a check on the state’s Democratic legislative majority.

Janoo campaigned for universal primary and preventive health care and higher taxes on wealthy residents. Scott challenged how her health care plan would be paid for and pledged tax cuts in the next legislative session. The election puts those competing approaches in sharper focus as Democrats appear close to reclaiming a legislative supermajority.

Scott’s win also showed the appeal of his distinct political brand in a liberal state: he identifies as a Republican but has sought to distance himself from Donald Trump and stress civility. He has maintained support from Republicans, independents and Democrats who split their tickets. Janoo drew large crowds and raised more money than Scott from more donors, but the campaign’s momentum did not translate into victory. Democrat Molly Gray defeated Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint won reelection.