Vermont Primary Results: Amanda Janoo and Gerald Malloy React to Key Wins
- Amanda Janoo narrowly won Vermont’s Democratic primary for governor on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, defeating Aly Richards after a campaign centered on sweeping progressive policy changes and reducing...
- Janoo, an economist who grew up in Strafford and lives in Burlington, had never run for office before and was virtually unknown prior to launching her campaign.
- Speaking to a crowd of at least 250 people at her election night watch party in Burlington, Janoo reflected on her status as a political newcomer.
Primary Night Upset in Burlington
Amanda Janoo narrowly won Vermont’s Democratic primary for governor on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, defeating Aly Richards after a campaign centered on sweeping progressive policy changes and reducing reliance on federal funding, according to the Associated Press.
Janoo, an economist who grew up in Strafford and lives in Burlington, had never run for office before and was virtually unknown prior to launching her campaign. According to Associated Press reporting cited by VTDigger, she secured 49% of the vote as of 11 p.m. on Primary Day, edging out Richards, who finished with 46%. Richards, the former head of a prominent childcare lobbying and advocacy group, entered the primary with the backing of a well-endowed political action committee and significant financial support.
An Outsider Takes the Stage
Speaking to a crowd of at least 250 people at her election night watch party in Burlington, Janoo reflected on her status as a political newcomer.
We didn’t have the establishment for support, or big political kingmakers on our side. But we had something so much more powerful. We had you.
Janoo’s platform targeted corporate influence and federal spending dependencies. She proposed a new tax on advertising revenue earned by large technology companies and called for state regulations on large data centers utilized for artificial intelligence. To fund key human services, she argued the federal government could not be fully trusted, advocating instead for in-state revenue generation. Her campaign advanced a plan to implement a surcharge on personal income exceeding $500,000 to finance free primary care for every resident in the state.
Concession and Party Unity
Following the release of vote tallies, Richards conceded the race in a statement issued at approximately 11:30 p.m.
Now that the primary is behind us, it’s time for Vermonters to come together and rally behind Amanda.
Richards described her run as the honor of a lifetime and pledged to assist Janoo in her upcoming contest against Republican incumbent Gov. Phil Scott in the general election. Scott faced no opponent in the Republican primary.
A Competitive Primary Battle
The Democratic primary stood out as one of the most competitive in years, with both Janoo and Richards raising more campaign funds than any Democratic gubernatorial candidate since 2020. Janoo’s campaign ultimately absorbed an eleventh-hour digital advertising push valued at more than $200,000, funded by an independent political action committee created to support Richards that blanketed local websites and social media feeds during the final week of the race.
The Road to the General Election
Janoo now faces the challenge of appealing to a broad electorate across the political spectrum. Many Vermont voters, including registered Democrats, have consistently supported Gov. Phil Scott in past general elections. According to Morning Consult data, Scott remains the country’s most popular governor, though a University of New Hampshire poll indicated a decline in his job approval ratings over recent months. Janoo’s general election campaign will depend on whether her progressive economic proposals can win over voters.