Scott last incumbent statewide-officer to announce re-election bid
By Guy Page
Gov. Phil Scott became the last statewide incumbent to make it official: he’s running for re-election.
Posing in a photo with longtime mentor, Democrat, former state senator, and fellow fast car enthusiast Dick Mazza, Scott announced on X that he’s running again because “Vermont’s Legislature is so far out of balance.”
“After reflecting on all the work still left to do, I’ve come to realize I cannot step away at a time when Vermont’s Legislature is so far out of balance, so I’ve decided to run for reelection to keep working for you,” Scott said.
He then urged voters to elect legislators who will reflect his fiscally-conservative position.
“But in order to be successful, I need your help. It’s not enough to just support me, because I can’t do it alone in the State House. I need you to elect more legislators who will also put politics aside and work with me, to deliver the best results for you,” he said.
“Although our country feels more divided than ever, I truly believe most of us are somewhere in the political middle. Some a little left of center, some a little right of center, and a whole lot in between. For the most part, I believe Vermonters want balanced debate, balanced policy and balanced politics. They want reasonable, pragmatic solutions that make Vermont more affordable, revitalize our neighborhoods, and improve public safety,” Scott said.
Three Democrats have expressed interest in seeking the Democratic nomination: Former Gov. Howard Dean, former Burlington mayor Miro Weinberger, and former Middlebury school DEI director Esther Charlestin. Only Charlestin has explictly announced she’s running. One lawmaker considered a candidate for governor, Rep. Caleb Elder of Starksboro, is instead seeking an Addison County senate seat against both incumbents, Chris Bray and Ruth Dwyer.
Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, AG Charity Clark, Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Auditor Doug Hoffer, and Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas all have announced they are seeking re-election.