Over the weekend, Governor Phil Scott declared that he will run for a fifth term, answering any doubts over his short-term political goals.
In recent months, there has been growing interest in whether Republican governor Scott (still the most popular in the nation) might run for a fifth term.
“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 re-election to keep working for you,” Scott said in a press release over the weekend.
If Scott prevails, he would become the only governor to hold office for more than four terms, following Howard Dean. In addition to serving five complete terms, Dean also completed the final year of his predecessor Richard Snelling’s term in office. According to VTDigger, Dean is thinking about running for governor again this year.
Scott stressed the need for greater moderation and collaboration in the Statehouse in his announcement of his reelection, arguing that these qualities represent the essence of the country, which is “somewhere in the political middle.”
“I’ve done my best to rise above partisanship to solve problems, and help people,” Scott said, adding that “we still have more work to do.”
However, Scott stated that his reelection would not suffice to improve the political balance in Vermont. Vermont voters must choose more centrist and cooperative lawmakers, “who will also put politics aside and work with me, to deliver the best results for you,” he declared.
In the Vermont Senate (23 out of 30) and House of Representatives (112 out of 150), Democrats, Progressives, and Independents now hold the political majority. The balance of the House is made up of Republicans and one Libertarian.
Scott has a track record of winning over people from all political persuasions. A “bipartisan majority” of Vermonters, according to a University of New Hampshire study, favor Scott’s reelection. He received 71% of the vote in 2022, taking the lead in each town.
“After all the trials and tribulations of the last few years, you’ve gotten to know me,” Scott said. “And while we may not agree on every issue, you know I’ll always do what I think is right, and what I think is best for Vermont, regardless of the politics.”
A few Vermonters have shown interest in the governor’s position, even though the race is still early.
Following the passing of Governor Richard Snelling in 1991, Democratic candidate Dean was elected to five consecutive terms as governor. He commanded the Democratic National Committee from 2005 to 2009 and ran a botched 2004 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
According to WCAX, Dean stated before the end of last month that he is considering a second run for governor. Since Dean resigned in January 2003, Vermont has had three governors, including Scott.
If Dean decides to run, the August primary will pit him against Esther Charlestin, a former member of the Middlebury Selectboard, for the Democratic candidacy.
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