Vermont holds its governor's race in 2026, on the ballot November 3, 2026, in a state with a distinctive split personality, strongly Democratic in federal races yet home to a popular Republican governor. There is no U.S. Senate race in Vermont this cycle. Here's a nonpartisan guide.
What's on the 2026 ballot in Vermont?
The governorship is on the ballot, with Republican incumbent Phil Scott, who serves a two-year term. Below it: Vermont's single at-large U.S. House seat, state offices, legislative races, and local contests. Vermont does not elect a U.S. senator in 2026.
What makes Vermont's races distinctive?
Vermont is among the most Democratic states in federal elections, yet it has repeatedly elected a Republican governor, a reminder that voters split tickets based on the specific race and candidate. That makes the governor's race a genuine test of personal appeal over party, and the state's small, engaged, high-participation electorate rewards direct, substantive outreach over party-line blasts.
Why turnout decides Vermont
Vermont consistently posts high turnout, so the marginal voter matters, and a midterm still lowers participation from presidential peaks. In a small state where voters weigh candidates individually, mobilizing your supporters while making a personal case matters more than pure party turnout, and Vermont's early and mail voting spreads the work across weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What's on the ballot in Vermont in 2026?
The governorship, with Republican incumbent Phil Scott, who serves a two-year term, plus the state's single at-large U.S. House seat and state offices. There's no Senate race in 2026.
Why is Vermont's politics distinctive?
It's among the most Democratic states federally yet repeatedly elects a Republican governor, so voters clearly split tickets on the specific race and candidate, making the governor's race a test of personal appeal over party.
Why does turnout matter in Vermont?
Because Vermont posts high turnout, so the marginal voter matters, and in a state where voters weigh candidates individually, mobilizing supporters with a personal case matters more than party-line turnout.
This reflects the cycle as of the date above. Facts drawn from nonpartisan sources including Ballotpedia. Confirm voting details at Vote.org.
Keep reading: The anatomy of a great political text and the 2026 midterms are a turnout election.