AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Vermont’s state primary
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vermont Democrats will try on Tuesday to do something they’ve been unable to do in five previous attempts: nominate a gubernatorial candidate who can beat Republican Gov. Phil Scott. Voters will also decide contested Democratic primaries for lieutenant…
Vermont Democrats aim to nominate a gubernatorial candidate capable of defeating incumbent Republican governor Phil Scott in Tuesday's primary. This marks the fifth unsuccessful attempt to achieve such a feat. In addition to the gubernatorial race, voters will also decide contested primaries for lieutenant governor and state auditor, as well as select a Republican nominee to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint in the upcoming November election.
Scott, one of only two Republican governors to hail from a state that Democratic then-Vice President Kamala Harris won in the 2024 presidential contest, stands a formidable challenge. He secured 73% of the vote in his 2024 reelection bid, surpassing the 69% he garnered in 2022. Notably, Scott has demonstrated a rare Republican stance against former President Donald Trump.
He endorsed former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley in the 2024 primaries and has disclosed voting for Harris over Trump in both 2024 and 2020. Scott faces no opposition for his party's nomination.
Two Democrats are contending for the chance to challenge Scott: economist Amanda Janoo and former child advocacy organization CEO Aly Richards. Richards has secured approximately $453,000 in campaign funds, compared to Janoo's about $308,000. Moreover, Richards entered July with roughly double Janoo's cash reserves. In Vermont, the governor, lieutenant governor, and other state officers hold two-year terms.
If Scott secures re-election and serves another term, he would surpass Dean as Vermont's longest-serving governor since the state's inception.
The 2026 primary will also see all 30 state Senate seats and all 150 state House seats up for grabs. While Democratic state lawmakers experienced substantial setbacks in the 2024 general election, losing over two dozen seats across both chambers and their supermajorities, this year's primary could pose further challenges for the party.
Five state Senate districts and 11 state House districts feature Democratic incumbents facing primary challengers. However, Republican incumbents will only face such challenges in a single state Senate district.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
