Economist Amanda Janoo won Vermont’s Democratic primary for governor on August 11, securing the party’s nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Governor Phil Scott in November’s general election. Janoo captured approximately 49.7 percent of the vote, defeating first-time candidate Aly Richards, the former CEO of Let’s Grow Kids, a child care advocacy organization that worked on affordable child care reform in Vermont.
Both Janoo and Richards entered the race as political newcomers without prior electoral experience. Janoo, who grew up in Strafford and now lives in Burlington, has worked as an economist and policy expert with think tanks and international development institutions, and founded the Wellbeing Economy Alliance of Vermont. She was the first Democrat to announce a campaign for governor in 2026, launching her bid in March.
Richards, based in Montpelier, built her campaign around her experience leading a successful statewide effort to expand access to affordable child care. Despite being outpaced in pre-election polling, Richards had raised more money than Janoo heading into the primary—approximately $453,000 compared to Janoo’s roughly $308,000, according to reporting on campaign finance filings.
The Democratic primary race reflected broader voter sentiment in Vermont. Multiple outlets reported that Democratic voters were seeking change and expressing widespread disaffection with the status quo, particularly on issues of affordability, housing, and education. Janoo and Richards both positioned themselves as challengers to Scott’s long tenure, with voters at polling locations citing desire for new leadership.
The primary victory sets up a significant general election challenge for Janoo. Governor Phil Scott, a moderate Republican, won re-election in 2024 by a landslide margin of 52 points and remains popular among Vermont voters. Polling from late July showed Scott maintaining a lead of at least eight points over both Democratic challengers in hypothetical general election matchups, though his approval rating had declined from earlier in his tenure.
The November 3 general election will determine whether Janoo can overcome Scott’s political strength and secure the governorship for Democrats. Scott is seeking a sixth two-year term. Janoo has secured endorsements from the Vermont State Employees Association and the AFL-CIO, labor organizations whose backing signals support from organized labor in the state.
Sources
- New York Times — Final primary vote totals showing Janoo at 49.7 percent
- NBC News — Confirmation of Janoo’s primary victory and candidate backgrounds
- PBS NewsHour — Campaign fundraising figures and candidate profiles
- Vermont Public — Debate coverage and candidate positions on issues
- Washington Post — General election preview and polling context
- Vermont Digger — Voter sentiment at polling locations and Janoo’s background
- WCAX — Candidate fundraising details and campaign finance information
