Race against Vermont Gov. Phil Scott set for November

Esther Charlestin has emerged victorious in the Democratic primary, positioning herself to challenge incumbent Governor Phil Scott in the upcoming November election. Charlestin decisively defeated her opponent, Peter Duval, capturing 70.5% of the vote, as reported by the Associated Press shortly after polls closed. Her background as an educator and former member of the Middlebury Selectboard has bolstered her candidacy, and her win was anticipated following endorsements from prominent figures such as Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman and former Gov. Howard Dean. Duval, who acknowledged the uphill battle of his campaign, had previously lost to Scott in the 2022 GOP primary and again in the general election as an independent. His candidacy was characterized by a sense of resignation, as he openly stated on his campaign website that he expected to lose. This sentiment reflects the challenges faced by candidates opposing a well-established incumbent in a predominantly Democratic state. Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, has maintained a strong popularity among Vermont voters, having won reelection in 2022 with an impressive 69% of the vote. Despite his success, Scott has faced criticism from state Democrats, who argue that he has shifted blame onto the Democratic Party for issues within the state government during his tenure. As the election approaches, Charlestin's campaign will focus on challenging Scott's legacy while navigating the complexities of Vermont's political landscape, which has historically favored Democratic candidates.