Janoo Leads Phil Scott by 8 Points in Vermont Governor Race

Janoo Leads Phil Scott by 8 Points in Vermont Governor Race

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Vermont voters head to the polls as gubernatorial and lieutenant governor races tighten

The final countdown for Vermont’s election cycle is underway, with candidates making their last pitches to voters on Monday, just hours before polls open across the state. The races for governor and lieutenant governor have emerged as the primary focal points for the electorate, featuring a mix of established incumbents and challengers attempting to shift the state’s political direction. According to reporting from WPTZ, the contests are shaped by a tension between long-standing leadership and new economic and social priorities.

Republican Governor Phil Scott is seeking what would be a historic sixth term in office. Scott, who has maintained a level of popularity that crosses party lines, has frequently navigated a divided legislature to implement policy. He addressed the challenges of his tenure during his final campaign push, noting that while legislative adversity has been a constant, his administration has demonstrated the ability to achieve results when there is a balance of power.

“You know me, you know my leadership, you know the good things we’ve tried to do,” Scott said. “Hasn’t always been easy with some of the legislative adversity that we face, but again, we proved that two years ago, when we have a little bit more balance in the legislature, we can get a lot of good things done.”

Challenging Scott is Democrat Amanda Janoo, an economist from Strafford whose campaign has gained momentum as the election nears. The race presents a fundamental question for Vermont: whether to maintain the current executive stability or pivot toward the economic perspectives offered by Janoo. Recent data suggests the race is highly competitive; the latest Green Mountain State Poll from the University of New Hampshire found Janoo holding an 8-point lead over the incumbent.

Janoo has framed her candidacy around a sense of communal contribution and future-oriented leadership. “I think if we’re all willing to be just a little more generous with those gifts in this moment, we’re going to not only be able to, like, meet the challenges ahead, but genuinely inspire, like, a better world forward,” she stated.

The battle for the lieutenant governorship

While the governor’s race centers on leadership continuity, the race for lieutenant governor is defined by sharp contrasts in legislative experience and policy focus. Incumbent Republican John Rodgers is defending his seat against Molly Gray, a former official who previously held the office from 2021 to 2023. Rodgers, a West Glover resident, brings significant legislative experience to the contest, having served four terms in the Vermont House and four terms in the Senate before defeating David Zuckerman for the position in 2024.

Rodgers has centered his campaign on the economic pressures facing Vermonters, specifically the rising cost of living. He noted that his recent conversations with constituents have highlighted a growing trend of residents considering leaving the state due to financial strain. Gray, meanwhile, has transitioned from her previous role as executive director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance to this campaign, focusing her platform on fiscal responsibility and constitutional protections.

“Lowering property taxes is on the ballot, making sure that we’re standing up to the federal government and protecting the fundamental rights of Vermonters is on the ballot,” Gray said.

The polling data for this race suggests a significant gap between the two candidates. The University of New Hampshire poll, which surveyed approximately 1,000 Vermonters, indicated that Gray leads Rodgers by nearly 30 points. The demographic makeup of the poll included 60% Democrats and 29% Republicans.

Polling data and election logistics

As the state prepares for Tuesday’s vote, the statistical landscape shows a complex picture of voter sentiment. While the lieutenant governor’s race shows a wide margin, the gubernatorial race remains a much tighter contest between the incumbent and the challenger. The following table summarizes the findings from the final Green Mountain State Poll released on Sunday:

Candidates make final push in key Vermont races one day before polls open
Race Leading Candidate Margin
Governor Amanda Janoo 8 points
Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray Nearly 30 points

Polls will be open on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The outcome of these races will likely dictate the legislative environment in Montpelier for the coming term, particularly regarding property tax policy and the state’s relationship with federal mandates.

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