'We need more balance in the legislature': Scott to seek fifth term as Vermont governor

Gov. Phil Scott announced over the weekend he will seek a fifth term, laying to rest questions about his immediate political plans.

Over the past few months, anticipation has been building over whether Scott − a Republican who remains the country's most popular governor − will seek 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.

Should Scott win, he would be the first governor since Howard Dean to serve more than four terms. Dean, who, as reported by VTDigger, is also considering another run for governor this year, served five full terms plus the last year of his predecessor Richard Snelling's term.

'Political middle'

In his re-election announcement, Scott emphasized the continued need for more bipartisanship and moderation in the Statehouse, which he said reflects the nation's essence as "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, his re-election would not be enough to bring about more balance in Vermont politics, Scott said. Vermonters must elect more moderate and collaborative legislators "who will also put politics aside and work with me, to deliver the best results for you," he said.

Currently, Democrats, Progressives and Independents make up the political majority of both the Vermont Senate (23 out of 30) and House of Representatives (112 out of 150). Republicans, and a single Libertarian in the House, make up the balance.

Scott has a history of appealing to both sides of the political spectrum. According to a poll from the University of New Hampshire, a "bipartisan majority" of Vermonters want Scott to run for re-election. In 2022, he earned 71% of the votes, winning a majority in every 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."

Howard Dean considers run

Although it is still early in the race for governor, a few Vermonters have expressed interest in the governor's seat.

Dean, a Democrat, rose to governor in 1991 after the death of Gov. Richard Snelling, and went on to be elected to five full terms. He made an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004 and chaired the Democratic National Committee from 2005 to 2009.

Dean said late last month that he is weighing another gubernatorial run, according to WCAX. Three governors, including Scott, have served Vermont since Dean left office in January 2003.

Should Dean run, he will face off against former Middlebury Selectboard member Esther Charlestin for the Democratic nomination in the August primary.

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.