2026 Vermont gubernatorial election
November 3, 2026
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| Elections in Vermont |
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The 2026 Vermont gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Vermont. The primary elections will take place on August 11, 2026.[1] Incumbent Republican governor Phil Scott is eligible to seek re-election to a sixth term, but has not yet stated whether he will do so.
According to Morning Consult, (which does polling on every governor across the US), Scott is the most popular state governor in the entire nation.[2] He has won re-election four times by increasingly wider margins since he was first elected in 2016. Vermont is one of two states which holds its gubernatorial election every two years.[3] Along with neighboring New Hampshire, this will be one of two Republican-held governorships up for election in a state that Kamala Harris won in the 2024 presidential election.
Background
In November 2024, Governor Phil Scott won re-election in a landslide, and was able to break Democratic supermajorities in the Vermont Senate and Vermont General Assembly.[4] Federally, Vermont is one of the bluest states in the country.[5]
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Phil Scott, incumbent governor (2017–present)[6]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Amanda Janoo, economist[7]
Publicly expressed interest
- Aly Richards, University of Vermont Medical Center board chair[8]
- Mike Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer (2023–present)[8]
Potential
- Charity Clark, Vermont Attorney General (2023–present)[6][9]
Third party candidates
Freedom and Unity Party
Declared
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[12] | Solid R | January 23, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[13] | Solid R | February 6, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[14] | Likely R | May 1, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[15] | Lean R | November 25, 2025 |
See also
References
- ^ "2026 State Primary Election Dates". NCSL. May 9, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "U.S. Governor Approval Rating Tracker". Morning Consult Pro. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ Kinzel, Bob (August 10, 2022). "It's primary day in Vermont. Why do voters there choose a governor every 2 years?". NPR. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
- ^ The Blue State Where Republicans Scored Their Biggest Gains, Governing, November 14, 2024
- ^ Lewis, Martin W. (December 9, 2022). "The Vermont Paradox: A Left-Wing State with a Remarkably Popular Republican Governor".
- ^ a b Robinson, Shaun (August 14, 2025). "Vermont Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas say they're running for reelection". VTDigger. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ McCallum, Kevin (March 10, 2026). "Amanda Janoo Announces Bid for Vermont Governor". Seven Days Vermont. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
- ^ a b Hirschfeld, Peter (March 10, 2026). "Republican Gov. Phil Scott to see Democratic challenge in 2026". Vermont Public. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
- ^ Robinson, Shaun (October 14, 2025). "Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak hires top staffer from Rep. Becca Balint". VTDigger. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ "Stowe teen preps for gubernatorial race". VTDigger. July 20, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "Stoew Middle Schooler selected as legislative page". Stowe Reporter. November 21, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2026.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
External links
Official campaign websites