Republican Governor Phil Scott of Vermont has secured a fifth two-year term in office, easily defeating Democratic challenger Esther Charlestin. Scott, a popular figure in the state known for his moderate stance and focus on affordability, has now won five straight elections as governor in a heavily blue state.
Esther Charlestin, an educator and first-generation Haitian American, has won the Vermont Democratic gubernatorial primary and will face incumbent Republican Gov. Phil Scott in the general election. Charlestin, endorsed by prominent Democrats, emphasized working-class issues, a strategy seen as crucial to defeating Trump in future elections by Sen. Bernie Sanders. Meanwhile, Gov. Scott, a popular figure despite his Republican affiliation in a heavily Democratic state, has been critical of former President Trump and endorsed Nikki Haley for president.
