Phil
Scott

VTDigger reviewed the sharp split between the UNH and Vermont Public surveys and reported that Scott's campaign spokesperson Emma Shouldice said polling has 'always undervalued' support for the governor, raising the question of whether 2026 will be different.

A new UNH poll released around Oct. 10 showed Democrat Amanda Janoo continuing to gain ground on incumbent Governor Phil Scott, adding to the picture of a tightening race.

WCAX reported the Republican Governors Association gave $400,000 to its independent-expenditure committee, A Stronger Vermont, which had spent $160,000 on television and social media supporting Scott as outside spending poured into the race.

NBC5 reported Rep. Ro Khanna endorsed Janoo. Scott responded that he did not need Washington lawmakers' backing and that his goal was to earn endorsements from 'regular everyday blue-collar workers.'

Scott argued Vermont needs to consolidate its school system to address declining enrollment and costs. A prior consolidation proposal had met political resistance; a legislative compromise created a new funding formula and allowed voluntary district mergers.

Sanders said he personally likes Scott but wanted 'a change' and 'new leadership,' citing Janoo's proposals on health care, housing, property taxes, and her opposition to AI data centers. Scott's campaign said the endorsement would not substantially alter the race.

VTDigger reported Scott said he would propose a package of tax cuts or credits if reelected, while Janoo has proposed new taxes including an income-tax increase on higher earners to fund her health-care plan.

October 1 campaign finance filings showed Janoo raised $291,000 in September and had about $280,000 cash on hand, while Scott raised $223,240 and ended with $295,845 after spending about $234,330.

Scott said Vermont should focus on housing and growing its tax base rather than adding new taxes, calling the Legislature's second-home tax proposal a 'knee-jerk reaction' to raise more money.

Facing tight polls, Scott acknowledged that Democratic voter enthusiasm was creating headwinds and called this his toughest race since first winning office in 2016. He also noted that some decisions, such as calling state employees back to the office, were politically unpopular.

A Vermont Public survey released Sept. 28 showed Scott leading likely voters 44% to 34%, a sharp contrast to the UNH poll released days earlier. Two debates were also announced: Vermont Public on Oct. 21 and WCAX on Oct. 28.

The University of New Hampshire Green Mountain State Poll (fielded Sept. 17–21) found Janoo ahead 49% to 43% with a 6-point margin of error, making it a statistical tie. Scott's campaign questioned the survey's partisan composition and the pollster's past accuracy.