Phil Scott

Phil Scott is an American politician and businessman serving as the 82nd Governor of Vermont since 2017. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 81st Lieutenant Governor of Vermont from 2011 to 2017 and as a state senator representing Washington County. Known for his moderate and pragmatic approach, Scott has maintained high approval ratings while leading a state with a strong Democratic legislative majority.

Early life and education

Phil Scott was born in Barre, the heart of the state's granite industry, and was raised in the nearby community of Berlin. He attended Spaulding High School where he was a standout athlete. Following graduation, he enrolled at the University of Vermont, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. During his time at the university, he also began his long association with the Vermont Army National Guard, where he trained as a construction engineer.

Business career

Before entering politics full-time, Scott established a successful career in construction and motorsports. He co-owned and operated DuBois Construction, a Middlesex-based excavation business founded by his grandfather. Parallel to his construction work, he became a well-known figure on the Northeast racing circuit, competing for many years at Barre's Thunder Road International Speedbowl and on the former NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. His business acumen and hands-on management style were often cited as foundational to his political persona.

Political career

Scott's political career began in the Vermont Senate, where he represented Washington County from 2001 to 2011. In 2010, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, serving two terms under Democratic Governor Peter Shumlin. In this role, he chaired the Vermont Senate Committee on Committees and was known for his bipartisan outreach. In 2016, he successfully ran for governor, defeating Sue Minter to become the first Republican to win the office since Jim Douglas.

Governor of Vermont

Since his inauguration in January 2017, Governor Scott has focused on fiscal restraint, economic development, and addressing the state's demographic challenges. His administration has prioritized expanding broadband access, supporting the University of Vermont Medical Center, and investing in affordable housing. He has worked with legislatures controlled by the Democratic Party and the Progressive Party to pass significant budgets and policies, including a major climate change bill, the Global Warming Solutions Act. He was re-elected decisively in 2018, 2020, and 2022.

Political positions

Governor Scott is considered one of the most moderate Republican governors in the nation, often aligning with Democratic majorities in the Vermont General Assembly. He is fiscally conservative, frequently vetoing budgets he deems unsustainable, but holds liberal stances on several social issues, including supporting LGBT rights and abortion rights. He signed legislation legalizing recreational cannabis and has advocated for gun control measures, such as red flag laws. He was critical of former President Donald Trump and did not support his re-election.

Personal life

Scott resides in Berlin with his wife, Diana McTeague. He has two daughters. An avid racing enthusiast, he still participates in occasional events at Thunder Road International Speedbowl. He is a longtime member of the Vermont Army National Guard, retiring at the rank of Captain after 36 years of service. His personal story of losing his mother at a young age and his blue-collar background are frequently referenced in his political communications. Category:1958 births Category:Governors of Vermont Category:Lieutenant Governors of Vermont Category:Vermont Republicans Category:University of Vermont alumni Category:People from Barre, Vermont Category:American racing drivers Category:Vermont Army National Guard officers