The governor is Vermont’s CEO, the head of its executive branch of government. The Vermont legislature passes bills; the governor decides whether to sign them into law. The roles are reversed when it comes to the state budget, which the governor drafts and the legislature approves. The governor also appoints agency leaders and issues executive orders and proclamations.
June Goodband
Springfield, Peace and Justice Party, june4govvt.org
Licensed clinical mental health counselor.
What should be the next steps in education reform?
Take health insurance costs out of the education budget by implementing Vermont’s universal health care law. Appoint a secretary of education who is approved by the Senate. Seek public input. Support the legislature and education department in developing legislation that effectively addresses the concerns expressed and strongly supports public education.
Is homelessness a statewide concern or a local one?
Homelessness is a statewide issue that is caused by federal and state policies. Local governments don’t have the tools to effectively address the problem.
How should Vermont address soaring health care costs?
We can cut health care costs by fully implementing our universal health care law, cutting out insurance companies and creating a coordinated health care system that meets our needs. We can continue to leverage federal health care programs and use foundation grants as we implement this law.
What’s the best way for the state to bring down housing costs?
The state should build and buy/renovate housing, then sell apartments in co-op housing and simple houses at zero percent interest to low-income people. Put high taxes on homes that are left vacant for large portions of the year. Provide incentives and support for people to share their homes.
Amanda Janoo
Burlington, Democrat/Progressive, janooforvt.com
Economist
What should be the next steps in education reform?
Rural schools are often the heart of their communities. Instead of closing them, I would expand Vermont’s community school model, which integrates childcare, primary health care, food access, adult education and other vital services. This can address pressures driving education costs, bring services closer and diversify the funding streams for schools.
Is homelessness a statewide concern or a local one?
Homelessness is a statewide concern. Vermonters in crisis deserve a leader and to know they are not alone. Vermont needs a housing-first approach.
How should Vermont address soaring health care costs?
Health care is a human right — no Vermonter should avoid the doctor because it’s too expensive. I will work hard to guarantee free, universal primary and preventive care for every Vermonter, with no co-pays or deductibles. Everyone should be able to have a trusted health care provider close to home.
What’s the best way for the state to bring down housing costs?
We need to build more housing and make better use of the homes we have. We should expand pathways for working Vermonters to buy, build and renovate their homes. And modernize property taxes so resident homeowners pay less while corporate and private-equity owners, vacation rentals, and investment properties pay more.
Phil Scott
Berlin, Republican, philscott.org
Former longtime co-owner of a family-owned construction business; currently, governor of Vermont
What should be the next steps in education reform?
We need to follow through, without further delays by the legislature. Vermont’s system costs too much without delivering enough for every student in every part of the state. We must use common sense, put kids first, improve educational opportunities and outcomes, implement structural reforms, and provide meaningful, lasting property tax relief.
Is homelessness a statewide concern or a local one?
Both, and for too long the legislature chose to fund a broken hotel-motel system instead of working toward real solutions toward permanent housing.
How should Vermont address soaring health care costs?
We need to adopt mainstream reforms made available by Obamacare that many other states use to lower health care costs, expand choices and protect access. The legislature instead built a system intended for a single-payer experiment that was abandoned as unaffordable. It’s time to modernize our policies and consumer protections.
What’s the best way for the state to bring down housing costs?
Build and rehab more homes. We need to remove regulatory barriers that make housing slower and more expensive to build. Increasing supply, lowering construction and permitting costs, and reducing property taxes will make owning and renting more affordable and attract and retain working families and good jobs.
Editor’s note: Independent candidate Brian Judd and Freedom and Unity Party candidate Dean Roy did not provide answers for this Q&A.
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This article appears in 2026 General Election Voters’ Guide.
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