Vermont Governor 2026: Candidate Pros & Cons

Pros

• A clear alternativeShe argues Scott has talked about affordability for almost a decade without results, a message landing with voters who want change.
• Specific health care planGovernment-funded universal primary care, paid for with a 3% income tax on about 2,500 households earning over $500,000.
• Protects small schoolsShe opposes forced mergers and says there would be no forced school closures under her.
• Economic credentialsAn economist with international policy experience at the United Nations.
• Strong grassroots campaignAly Richards outspent her three-to-two in the primary and she still won. Since then she has been endorsed by Bernie Sanders and Ro Khanna.

Cons

• No elected experienceShe had never run for office and was relatively unknown before this race.
• Funding gapShe estimates universal primary care would cost more than $300 million a year; her millionaire tax would raise about $110 million. She hasn't fully explained the rest. This is probably her biggest weakness.
• Tax increases could backfireShe has called for steep tax hikes on second homes and short-term rentals. Supporters see fairness; critics worry about a shrinking tax base or slower tourism.
• IdeologyShe has acknowledged Vermont's last two Democratic governors, Dean and Shumlin, governed as fiscal moderates. Running to their left is a risk in a state that keeps re-electing a moderate Republican.
• Attacks over past commentsScott has criticized her past statements about the F-35 jets, which she says were taken out of context. Check the original statements before relying on either side's description.