Vermont Election: Gov. Scott Covers All 14 Counties in Final Push

Vermonters will head to the polls on Tuesday after Republican Governor Phil Scott completed a final campaign tour across all 14 counties on Monday. The all-day itinerary served as a pre-Election Day tradition for the governor, a practice he has maintained since his initial run for lieutenant governor. Despite the length of the route, Scott described the day as a pleasant way to spend the hours before voting begins.

At a stop in White River Junction, Scott joined supporters for a honk-and-wave event. The gathering allowed local residents to interact directly with the incumbent. Fred Burgess, a voter who planned to cast his ballot the next day, walked over to thank the governor for his service. Burgess noted that he heard about the stop and decided to show his support in person. Several current and former lawmakers also attended the event to back Scott's campaign.

Jim Harrison, a former Vermont state representative, spoke to reporters about his view of the governor. Harrison said he could not think of a nicer person who cared deeply about the state's future. The presence of these political figures added to the visibility of the final day of campaigning in the region.

Scott addressed his track record during the tour. He expressed pride in his five terms in office but emphasized that work remains to be done. When asked for a final message to voters, Scott repeated his pledge to lower costs. He noted that despite challenges within the Statehouse, he continues to work on making the state more affordable. Scott said he is looking forward to advancing that agenda if reelected, stating that Vermont desperately needs to become more affordable.

The campaign has remained competitive, with a new poll from the University of New Hampshire showing Scott trailing Democrat Amanda Janoo. Scott acknowledged the tight race but expressed confidence in the team's performance. He remarked that political pundits and some media outlets have already written his obituary. However, he said he feels good about the campaign and believes the state has accomplished a lot over the last 10 years.

Scott said he plans to vote on Tuesday and will continue last-minute campaigning before casting his ballot. The tour marked the end of a long day of travel, with the governor having visited every county in the state. The election results will determine whether Scott serves a sixth term or if his tenure ends after 10 years in office.