Who Is Running for Governor of Vermont in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Phil Scott
(Incumbent)Economy
HighPhil Scott supports education reforms, citing Act 73, to expand pre-K, increase equity, and enhance career technical education, stating these are essential for economic growth and building a skilled workforce. He advocates for property tax relief, believing high costs hinder job creation and affordability. Scott also emphasizes strategic, affordable energy options and investments in the outdoor economy to attract and retain residents and jobs, while promoting affordable housing initiatives.
Immigration
HighPhil Scott expressed support for state legislation related to immigration enforcement, specifically indicating he would consider signing S. 208, which requires law enforcement officers to identify themselves and prohibits masks. He also called for a pause in federal immigration operations, citing concerns about coordination, public safety practices, and the protection of constitutional rights for citizens. He urged the federal government to focus on criminal illegal immigrants and for Congress and the Courts to restore constitutionality.
Healthcare
HighGovernor Phil Scott advocates for deregulatory healthcare reforms to enhance affordability and increase choices in care and coverage. He identifies Vermont's existing regulatory framework as contributing to high costs and limited options, urging a new approach focused on affordability, real choices, and a system that rewards value, prevention, and accountability. He also supports nearly one billion dollars in federal funding to expand rural primary care practices and rebuild the healthcare workforce.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Phil Scott |
|---|---|
| Economy | Phil Scott supports education reforms, citing Act 73, to expand pre-K, increase equity, and enhance career technical education, stating these are essential for economic growth and building a skilled workforce. He advocates for property tax relief, believing high costs hinder job creation and affordability. Scott also emphasizes strategic, affordable energy options and investments in the outdoor economy to attract and retain residents and jobs, while promoting affordable housing initiatives. High |
| Immigration | Phil Scott expressed support for state legislation related to immigration enforcement, specifically indicating he would consider signing S. 208, which requires law enforcement officers to identify themselves and prohibits masks. He also called for a pause in federal immigration operations, citing concerns about coordination, public safety practices, and the protection of constitutional rights for citizens. He urged the federal government to focus on criminal illegal immigrants and for Congress and the Courts to restore constitutionality. High |
| Healthcare | Governor Phil Scott advocates for deregulatory healthcare reforms to enhance affordability and increase choices in care and coverage. He identifies Vermont's existing regulatory framework as contributing to high costs and limited options, urging a new approach focused on affordability, real choices, and a system that rewards value, prevention, and accountability. He also supports nearly one billion dollars in federal funding to expand rural primary care practices and rebuild the healthcare workforce. High |
| Climate & Energy | Phil Scott has proposed a plan to repeal emissions mandates, stating that "Urgency drives hasty, unaffordable and ultimately counterproductive laws that delay progress." He seeks to develop a new climate action plan by December 2026 to address 2050 emission targets, opposing mandatory reduction targets before then. His administration proposed and passed $500,000 to expand the state's EV fleet and supported a tax holiday for EVs and energy-efficient products. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Phil Scott supports reproductive rights, including abortion access. He signed Vermont's Reproductive Liberty Amendment into the state constitution in December 2022, formally protecting these rights. In 2019, he also signed a law affirming the fundamental rights of women regarding reproductive health decisions. Governor Scott stated his disappointment with the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizing Vermont's commitment to upholding a woman's right to choose. High |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Phil Scott insists on adherence to Act 73 for education reform, advocating for fewer school districts to reduce duplicated efforts and costs. He states this change will provide more resources, consistent leadership, and address inequities, ultimately aiming to improve education quality and affordability for students and taxpayers. Scott has declared he will not sign any budget or education bill that deviates from Act 73. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
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