What Changed

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MIDTERMS 2026 - GOVERNOR

Vermont

LIKELY R R-held

CALLED: Republican wins

DEMOCRAT

Amanda Janoo

Economist and first-time candidate from Strafford who worked in economic development for the United Nations and with the Wellbeing Economy Alliance. source

REPUBLICAN - INCUMBENT

Phil Scott

Republican governor of Vermont seeking a sixth term; former business owner from Barre, state senator and lieutenant governor. source

Where they differ

Only issues they disagree on. Each position is something the candidate said, voted for or published, linked to where.

School consolidation

JANOO

Wants to keep small schools open and strong, and says communities know what their children need. source

SCOTT

Says falling enrollment means the state has to consolidate schools. source

New taxes on high earners

JANOO

Wants new revenue, including taxes on high earners, to pay for state services such as free primary care. source

SCOTT

Opposes the income surcharge and prefers not to raise taxes; plans a package of tax cuts or credits. source

Universal primary care

JANOO

Backs a universal preventive primary care program funded by an income surcharge. source

SCOTT

Favors incremental steps such as age banding for insurance rates and says a publicly funded system cannot be done in Vermont. source

Nuclear power

JANOO

Does not support new nuclear development until the waste problem is solved. source

SCOTT

Has discussed building a small-scale nuclear plant with New England governors. source

Homelessness policy

JANOO

Favors a 'housing first' approach. source

SCOTT

Wants to bring back the accountability court his administration set up in Burlington. source

F-35 jets at Burlington airport

JANOO

Opposes basing F-35 jets at Burlington airport. source

SCOTT

Opposes moving the jets, saying it would cost the Guard more than 1,000 jobs. source

Latest polling

Vermont Public 2026 Poll (released Sept. 28, 2026, likely voters; field dates and margin of error not given in the article): Scott 44%, Janoo 34%, 16% unsure. A University of New Hampshire poll (released Sept. 25) had Janoo 49%, Scott 43%. source

Vermont right now

How the state is doing going into the vote, from the people who count it.

JOBLESS RATE

2.6%

US: 4.2%

September 2026, seasonally adjusted, preliminary. Source: BLS

GAS, REGULAR

$4.35

US: $4.27

State average on 2026-10-27. Source: AAA

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Photos from Wikimedia Commons: Phil Scott by Master Sgt. Sarah Mattison, U.S. Air National Guard, Public domain.

Positions checked 2026-10-23. Things they agree on are left out on purpose. Spot something wrong? Use the feedback button and we will fix it.