Phil Scott

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Says he is running again because "there's a lot left to do" and he does not want to see the state "move backwards."[1]
• Says he wants to make Vermont affordable and grow the state's tax base, and that Vermont needs to grow its population.[3],[4]
• Pledges to "work with anyone who's willing to work with me" and says "we're independent of the party," distinguishing himself from President Trump.[2]
• Calls education reform Vermont's most critical challenge and says "Education transformation is not optional, it's essential."[8]
• His campaign says Vermonters "want mainstream solutions" and a Legislature that will work with him.[14]

Background

• Governor of Vermont (82nd governor; reelected in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024), State of Vermont · 2017–present[6]
• Lieutenant Governor (three terms), State of Vermont · 2011–2017[6]
• State Senator, Washington County (five terms); vice chair of the Transportation Committee and chair of the Institutions Committee, Vermont Senate · 2001–2011[6],[7]
• Co-owner, DuBois Construction, a family construction business in Middlesex · 1986–2017[6],[7]

Education

• B.S., Industrial Education, University of Vermont (1980)[7]

Where they stand

• Taxes
  Opposes proposed income tax surcharges on high earners and says he "would prefer not to raise any taxes." Says he plans to propose a package of tax cuts or credits. Has not taken a position on higher taxes for second homes while the Department of Taxes studies the idea.[4]
• Education
  Signed Act 73 in July 2025, which sets a path to consolidate Vermont's school districts and move to a statewide foundation funding formula. In January 2026 urged lawmakers to make drawing new district lines "the first order of business" and proposed using $75 million in state funds to offset an expected property tax increase.[8]
• Health Care
  His campaign says he supports universal access to primary care, and he signed a June 2026 bill commissioning a feasibility report on universal primary care. Favors loosening health insurance regulations, such as allowing premiums that vary by age and small-business plans, and working directly with hospitals to lower costs.[5]
• Housing
  Says Vermont needs to grow its population and tax base to address a lack of workers and housing they can afford. Issued a September 2025 executive order directing agencies to reduce permitting barriers, energy code obstacles and permit costs for housing projects, saying the state hadn't done "anywhere near enough" to meet housing needs.[4],[9]
• Abortion
  Signed a 2019 law (H.57) that protects the right to abortion in state law, and has repeatedly said he supports a woman's right to choose.[10]
• Guns
  In 2018 signed laws expanding background checks to private sales, raising the minimum age to buy firearms to 21, banning bump stocks and limiting magazine capacity. In 2019 vetoed a bill that would have created a 24-hour waiting period for handgun purchases.[11],[10]
• Energy & Environment
  Vetoed the 2023 Affordable Heat Act, which set up a clean heat standard for heating fuel dealers, saying its costs would be passed on to customers. The Legislature overrode the veto.[12]
• Public Safety
  In 2025 declined Pentagon requests to send Vermont National Guard soldiers to Washington, D.C., and to ICE detention facilities. His office said he does not view enforcement of domestic law as a proper use of the Guard absent an emergency.[13]

Voting record

Phil Scott has not held an office with a recorded voting record. See Background and Where they stand.

In their words