Vermont Gov. Phil Scott survived a fierce challenge Tuesday, securing a sixth term after Democrat Amanda Janoo pushed the Republican incumbent through a tense election night.
Janoo conceded around 11 p.m., ending a closely fought contest that polls had shown was effectively tied heading into Election Day.
An economist from Strafford running as a Democratic-Progressive candidate, Janoo built a 1,500-member volunteer network in her first bid for office. Her grassroots campaign gave Scott a much tougher fight as he sought another two years leading the state.
Even in defeat, Janoo took a swipe at President Donald Trump while congratulating the governor.
"I want to congratulate Governor Scott on his victory. And I do genuinely want to thank him for his service to the state in this moment. I believe that he really wants to ensure that Vermont has a steady hand in the face of a pretty petty president," Janoo said Tuesday night, speaking to supporters. "But it is also on us at this moment to make sure that we continue this momentum and this push. And hold him accountable for some of the new plans that he's outlined as a result of this campaign. Because the vision that we've advanced through this campaign doesn't end here tonight."
Scott used his victory remarks to press the case for reining in spending and easing the burden on taxpayers, arguing Vermont cannot keep demanding more from residents whose incomes fail to keep pace.
The Republican also called on lawmakers across party lines to work with him, pairing his affordability pitch with an invitation to find common ground.
"I want Vermonters to know this: My commitment to you has not changed. I will continue supporting, working for and supporting a more affordable Vermont. I will continue working to grow our economy, strengthen our communities, and create more opportunities for our kids. And I will continue insisting the math adds up and we spend taxpayer dollars responsibly. The bottom line is, we need more taxpayers, not more taxes."
"And state spending and the tax burden cannot continue to grow faster than Vermonters' incomes and their ability to pay. And I will continue to make the case that we need to grow our economy and make Vermont more affordable. Now, there will be times when we disagree strongly. That's part of our system of government. So tonight, I extend an invitation to legislative leaders, Republicans, Democrats, Progressives, and Independents alike. Let's find ways to make meaningful progress on the challenges we face and that we're facing for Vermonters. We don't have to abandon our principles to work together. And we don't have to agree on everything, especially if we want to accomplish anything in this state," Scott said.
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