Phil Scott Makes Vermont History, Wins Sixth Consecutive Term Despite Democratic Wave

Republican Gov. Phil Scott won an unprecedented sixth consecutive term Tuesday, defeating Democratic-Progressive challenger Amanda Janoo that once again demonstrated his ability to win statewide in one of the country's most Democratic states.

Scott's victory was one of the few bright spots for Republicans across New England where Democrats made significant gains in congressional and state legislative races.

The Associated Press reported Scott's reelection Wednesday morning after Janoo conceded the race Tuesday night. According to WAMC's election-night reporting, Janoo conceded with approximately 85% of Vermont towns reporting.

Scott celebrated with supporters in Montpelier, pointing to pre-election polling that had suggested a difficult contest.

"48 hours ago, the political pundits were writing my obituary," Scott told supporters, referencing a University of New Hampshire poll that had shown him trailing.

Scott's ability to win multiple times in Vermont has made him an unusual figure in Republican politics. The state has consistently supported Democratic presidential candidates and maintains a heavily Democratic congressional delegation, yet Scott has built a statewide coalition that extends well beyond traditional Republican voters.

His political approach has emphasized fiscal restraint, economic development, affordability and bipartisan cooperation. He has also frequently disagreed with national Republican leadership, including President Donald Trump, on a range of political issues.

However, the election's results delivered a complicated picture for Vermont Republicans.

Democrats strengthened their position in the state legislature, securing supermajorities that could make it more difficult for Scott to advance his priorities. Democrat Molly Gray also defeated incumbent Republican Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, returning to an office she previously held from 2021 to 2023.

As WCAX reported in its regional election results, the results leave Vermont with a Republican governor but a strengthened Democratic legislative majority.

Scott's reelection is nevertheless a significant accomplishment for a party that has struggled to compete statewide in Vermont.

His sixth consecutive victory gives him another opportunity to pursue his agenda on education funding, property taxes, economic development and the state's long-term fiscal challenges.

It also raises a broader question for Republicans nationally: whether the political coalition Scott has assembled in Vermont can offer lessons for candidates attempting to compete in heavily Democratic states.

For now, Scott remains one of the few Republican governors in the Northeast, and his latest victory ensures that Republicans will retain a presence in Vermont's executive branch for another two years.