Republican Governor Phil Scott is campaigning for reelection this Tuesday, aiming for a fifth term in the predominantly Democratic state of Vermont. He is up against Esther Charlestin, a Democrat-progressive and first-time candidate in statewide politics.
In recent years, Vermont has struggled with significant challenges, including two summers marked by severe flooding, an ongoing housing crisis, and an increase in homelessness. Additionally, the state has seen rising property taxes and concerns surrounding public safety, particularly regarding gun violence and drug-related offenses.
Scott, 66, who has previously served as a legislator and owns a business, is encouraging voters to choose a candidate committed to collaborating with him to enhance affordability in Vermont and curtail the growing taxes and fees imposed by the Legislature.
In contrast, 34-year-old Charlestin argues that a change in leadership is essential, asserting that the state’s conditions have deteriorated since Scott took office in 2017. As an educator, consultant, co-chair of the Vermont Commission on Women, and a former member of her local selectboard, she brings a diverse background to her candidacy and is proud of her heritage as a first-generation Haitian American.
Voters will also see two independents, Kevin Hoyt and Eli “Poa” Mutino, along with minor party candidate June Goodband on the ballot.
The Governor has often found himself at odds with the Democrat-majority legislature over budgetary matters and legislative initiatives, having vetoed eight bills during the last session. The legislature has responded by overriding six of those vetoes in June.
Scott maintains that his administration has focused on making Vermont more affordable by investing in various areas, including housing, public safety, mental healthcare, and climate action. In a recent debate, he expressed concerns about the current legislative direction, stating, “Unfortunately over the last two years … the supermajority in the Legislature has had other ideas, passing a historic double-digit property tax increase, a new payroll tax, a 20% increase in DMV fees, plans to raise home heating costs, and more.”
Charlestin rebutted Scott’s claims, asserting that he is misplacing blame on legislators who only work part-time. “Is Vermont in a better place than it was eight years ago? When I think of property taxes, health care, housing, affordability, the answer is clear and it’s no,” she stated during the debate, emphasizing the need for a fresh direction that benefits not just the wealthy but also those in the middle and lower-income brackets.
She has garnered support from notable figures including former Governor Howard Dean, current Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman, and Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak.
Scott has also maintained a critical stance towards former President Donald Trump and previously endorsed Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador, during Vermont’s July primary before her withdrawal from the race. He publicly identified as one of the 66% of Vermont voters who supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
This fall, Scott has faced mounting scrutiny from advocates, municipal leaders, and lawmakers regarding new legislative caps that have limited the pandemic-era motel voucher program for vulnerable homeless individuals. The program is set to resume in the winter on December 1.
Scott explained that the legislative budget proposed these caps and allocated $10 million for additional emergency shelters, describing this funding as insufficient. He mentioned in October that the state is working on establishing three family shelters in Waterbury, Williston, and Montpelier, but advocates contend that the response has been too slow to address the pressing needs of those impacted.