Vermont Democrats Pick a Far-Left Progressive to Take on Phil Scott

Vermont Democrats are betting on a sharp turn to the left in November.

Amanda Janoo, a 38-year-old former United Nations worker, won Tuesday’s Democratic primary for governor, defeating former nonprofit executive Aly Richards and setting up a general election fight with Republican Gov. Phil Scott.

Janoo entered the race in March as a virtual unknown, but quickly built a campaign around a progressive agenda. She has called for “free health care” funded by higher taxes on wealthy Vermonters, more government intervention in housing, expansion of government programs, and a restructuring of the state’s economy.

Scott, a moderate Republican, has won four consecutive gubernatorial elections and is running for a sixth term. His political brand has largely centered on affordability, fiscal restraint and pragmatic government, often putting him at odds with Vermont’s Democratic-controlled Legislature.

Scott trounced his last reelection opponent in 2024, winning 73% of the vote.

A University of New Hampshire poll conducted in July found Scott leading Janoo 44% to 33%, with 17% undecided. That's an 11-point advantage before the general-election campaign began.

The general election will now test whether Vermont voters want to stay with Scott’s more moderate approach or embrace Janoo’s promise of a larger, more progressive government.