Republicans in Vermont made significant gains in the state legislature on Tuesday, marking their best showing in over a decade. The party dislodged the Democratic/Progressive supermajority that Governor Phil Scott blames for the state’s affordability crisis. Republican victories in the Senate were particularly noteworthy, with wins in Caledonia, Orleans, Grand Isle, and Chittenden counties. The party also made gains in the House of Representatives, erasing the Democrats’ veto-proof majority.
Governor Scott, who campaigned for a return to partisan balance, celebrated the results as a win for balance and moderation. He emphasized the need for lawmakers to prioritize the needs of working families and small businesses. The election results reflect voter discontent over rising property taxes and affordability issues.
On the other hand, Democrats, while acknowledging the need to listen to voters, defended their record and emphasized the importance of collaboration across party lines to address challenges like affordable housing, property taxes, and healthcare. The party highlighted the positive impacts of their policies, such as the payroll tax that funded child care subsidies and created new jobs in the sector.
Scott’s efforts to counter the Democrats’ fundraising advantage involved significant financial contributions from his own campaign. He supported Republican candidates through postcards and radio ads to help level the playing field. The election results signal a significant shift in Vermont’s political landscape and set the stage for a more balanced and collaborative approach to governance.
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Photo credit www.vermontpublic.org
