Aly Richards

Amanda Janoo narrowly won Vermont’s Democratic primary for governor with 49% of the vote, defeating Aly Richards who received 46%. An economist and first-time candidate, Janoo's platform calls for new state regulations on large data centers, a tax on digital advertising from large technology companies, and funding free primary care through a surcharge on personal income over $500,000.

In Vermont, Amanda Janoo won the party's gubernatorial nomination after defeating Aly Richards. Gov. Phil Scott secured his GOP gubernatorial nomination for a sixth straight two-year term. Despite Democrats having a dominant track record in the state, the article notes that Scott is poised to continue serving and has maintained high approval ratings.

In Vermont, Democrat Amanda Janoo defeated former child advocacy organization CEO Aly Richards to capture the gubernatorial nomination. Meanwhile, Republican Gov. Phil Scott was unopposed and cruised to his own party's nomination for a sixth term. Despite having a deep blue state with strong Democratic dominance, Democrats face a difficult task beating Scott in November.

A super PAC called Time for a Change has spent over $200,000 on ads supporting Aly Richards, a Democratic candidate for Vermont governor, in the final weeks of the primary. Richards' opponent, Amanda Janoo, criticized the PAC's spending as hypocritical, while Richards stated the PAC is independent and not coordinated with her campaign.

Vermont Democratic candidates for governor and lieutenant governor advocate for higher taxes on second homes to address housing shortages and generate revenue, while Republican incumbents oppose new taxes. Estimates of second homes in Vermont vary widely, with claims ranging from 40% of homes to 14% as seasonal properties, according to Census Bureau and state agency data.

Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo, two first-time Democratic candidates for Vermont governor, have raised significant campaign funds despite lacking political experience. They argue declining support for incumbents and Governor Phil Scott's low approval rating present an opportunity to challenge him, though polls show most Democratic primary voters remain undecided and Scott would likely win a general election.

Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo, Democratic candidates for Vermont governor, reported significant fundraising totals by July 1. Richards raised $365,867, while Janoo raised $164,798. Lieutenant governor candidates Molly Gray and Ryan McLaren each raised over $250,000. Republican Gov. Phil Scott reported $48,000 in contributions and a $218,000 cash surplus.

Vermont passed Act 76 in May 2023 to improve early care and education through dedicated funding, livable wages for educators, and financial support for families. The law followed two decades of advocacy by Let’s Grow Kids, a nonprofit that sunsetted its operations in 2025 after a decade of work to ensure childcare accessibility and affordability.