Vermont Governor Phil Scott (R) is projected to face progressive Democrat Amanda Janoo in the state’s November 2026 gubernatorial election, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Scott, who has served as Vermont’s top official since his initial election in 2016, is running for a sixth term. Widely regarded as a moderate Republican, he has taken stances opposing some policies of former President Trump, including tariff policies and National Guard deployments. In his last general election, Scott secured just over 73 percent of the vote. Prior to becoming governor, he served as Vermont’s lieutenant governor and as a state senator.

The Cook Political Report rates the race as “solidly Republican.” Scott stated in May when announcing his reelection campaign, “After many years of public service, I believe most Vermonter[s] appreciate my work ethic, and if you elect me to another term, I’ll do all I can to leave Vermont in better shape than I found it. That’s how I’ve approached every challenge in my life.”

Amanda Janoo, the Democratic challenger, prioritizes addressing rising education costs, expanding healthcare access statewide, and creating more affordable housing options, according to her campaign website. She said, “I’m running for Governor because I refuse to accept that collapse is inevitable or that the best a Governor can do is manage decline. I’ve spent my career working with governments, here and around the world, to define long-term goals and design innovative economic strategies needed to achieve them — and I believe those are governance skills Vermont needs right now.”