POLITICS

America’s Most Popular GOP Governor Trails Democratic Rival: Latest Polls

PUBLISHED Sep 27, 2026, 10:32 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 25

Left 4%

Center 88%

Right 8%

Sources: 25

Recent polling data from the University of New Hampshire Green Mountain State Poll indicates that incumbent Vermont Republican Governor Phil Scott trails Democratic challenger Amanda Janoo 49 percent to 43 percent among likely general election voters. While Scott has maintained high approval ratings and dominant victories in past election cycles within the deep-blue state, the new survey reflects growing political headwinds. Scott retains strong backing from Republican voters and a narrow majority of independents, but trails significantly among Democrats. Political analysts note that cumulative legislative friction, property tax disputes, and broader economic concerns surrounding national trade policies are influencing voter sentiment as the upcoming midterm elections approach. The campaign landscape highlights an increasingly competitive race in New England as both candidates mobilize supporters across the state ahead of the official general election voting period.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On Nov 3, 2020, Phil Scott won re-election with overwhelming bipartisan voter support.
On Jan 4, 2023, Phil Scott commenced his fourth two-year term as governor.
On May 14, 2024, the Vermont legislature overrode several gubernatorial vetoes on taxes.
On Jan 8, 2025, Amanda Janoo officially announced her campaign for Vermont governor.
On Jun 12, 2025, early campaign fundraising reports showed competitive totals for challengers.
On Sep 10, 2025, candidate debates focused heavily on local housing and taxation.
On Aug 15, 2026, summer tracking polls showed Scott leading by a narrow margin.
On Sep 20, 2026, the University of New Hampshire released new general election polling.
On Sep 22, 2026, the Scott campaign dismissed poll sampling methodology as flawed.
On Sep 25, 2026, political analysts evaluated shifting independent voter alignments across Vermont.
On November 3 2026 In Nov 2026, voters will decide the outcome of the gubernatorial election.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Highlihgting voter friction in traditional New England Republican strongholds.
Possible long-term US impact: Signaling potential shifts in bipartisan gubernatorial electoral viability nationwide.
Most affected groups: Vermont voters, state legislators, political parties, and local campaign organizations.
Reader priority: Track validated polling methodology shifts and candidate policy platform debates closely.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 25
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 22
Distribution:: Left 4%, Center 88%, Right 8%

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes progressive voter mobilization against incumbent legislative veto overrides. Center: Reports statistical polling metrics neutrally without endorsing political outcome narratives. Right: Focuses on polling methodology flaws and strong base Republican loyalty.