By Guy Page
Democrat Amanda Janoo has taken a narrow lead over Republican Gov. Phil Scott in Vermont’s 2026 gubernatorial race, according to a new University of New Hampshire poll released Sunday.
Election Day in Tuesday, November 3.
The Green Mountain State Poll, conducted in October, found that 51% of likely voters support or are leaning toward Janoo, compared with 43% for Scott. Independent Brian Judd received 4%, while 1% supported another candidate and 1% remained undecided.
Other polls in recent weeks have shown Scott with a narrow lead over Janoo.
Janoo’s lead in the UNH poll marks a shift from September, when she held a 49%-43% advantage over Scott. The poll suggests a potentially competitive race for the incumbent Republican, who has won reelection comfortably in recent years.
Despite Janoo’s lead, 62% of likely voters believe Scott will win the election, compared with 25% who expect Janoo to prevail. Another 13% were unsure.
The poll also found that affordability and inflation remain the top concerns for Vermont voters, followed by economic and financial security and taxes or public spending.
The Green Mountain State Poll was conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center as part of its States of Opinion Project.
The survey of 1,231 Vermonters was completed October 27 – 31. Among the respondents, 60% identified as Democrats, 29% as Republicans, and 11% as Independents.