Phil Scott — Republican Candidate for Governor in Vermont, 2026

Phil Scott expressed support for state legislation related to immigration enforcement, specifically indicating he would consider signing S. 208, which requires law enforcement officers to identify themselves and prohibits masks. He also called for a pause in federal immigration operations, citing concerns about coordination, public safety practices, and the protection of constitutional rights for citizens. He urged the federal government to focus on criminal illegal immigrants and for Congress and the Courts to restore constitutionality.

““Enough…it’s not acceptable for American citizens to be killed by federal agents for exercising their God-given and constitutional rights to protest their government. At best, these federal immigration operations are a complete failure of coordination of acceptable public safety and law enforcement practices, training, and leadership. At worst, it's a deliberate federal intimidation and incitement of American citizens that’s resulting in the murder of Americans. Again, enough is enough. The President should pause these operations, de-escalate the situation, and reset the federal government's focus on truly criminal illegal immigrants. In the absence of Presidential action, Congress and the Courts must step up to restore constitutionality.” — Governor Phil Scott, Statement from Governor Phil Scott (January 25, 2026)”

Governor Phil Scott advocates for deregulatory healthcare reforms to enhance affordability and increase choices in care and coverage. He identifies Vermont's existing regulatory framework as contributing to high costs and limited options, urging a new approach focused on affordability, real choices, and a system that rewards value, prevention, and accountability. He also supports nearly one billion dollars in federal funding to expand rural primary care practices and rebuild the healthcare workforce.

“Despite that, its regulatory framework remains embedded in our healthcare system, resulting in some of the fewest choices and some of the highest costs in the nation. - Phil Scott, 2026 Budget Address (Waterbury Roundabout)”

Phil Scott has proposed a plan to repeal emissions mandates, stating that "Urgency drives hasty, unaffordable and ultimately counterproductive laws that delay progress." He seeks to develop a new climate action plan by December 2026 to address 2050 emission targets, opposing mandatory reduction targets before then. His administration proposed and passed $500,000 to expand the state's EV fleet and supported a tax holiday for EVs and energy-efficient products.

Phil Scott supports reproductive rights, including abortion access. He signed Vermont's Reproductive Liberty Amendment into the state constitution in December 2022, formally protecting these rights. In 2019, he also signed a law affirming the fundamental rights of women regarding reproductive health decisions. Governor Scott stated his disappointment with the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizing Vermont's commitment to upholding a woman's right to choose.

“I know many Vermonters like me are deeply disappointed following today’s decision by the Supreme Court, as this decision rolls back a federal right that women have had for decades. It’s Important to note, a woman’s right to choose is a principle we will uphold in Vermont, and we, in fact, have prepared for this unfortunate outcome. (Phil Scott, Statement on Supreme Court Ruling, governor.vermont.gov, 2022)”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Phil Scott insists on adherence to Act 73 for education reform, advocating for fewer school districts to reduce duplicated efforts and costs. He states this change will provide more resources, consistent leadership, and address inequities, ultimately aiming to improve education quality and affordability for students and taxpayers. Scott has declared he will not sign any budget or education bill that deviates from Act 73.

““So, I want to be clear, I will not sign a budget or an education bill or tax bill that deviates from Act 73 or fails to fix what’s broken.” — Governor Phil Scott, 2026 State of the State Address”

Research pending more substantial sources.