Phil Scott
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| Phil Scott | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Phil Scott |
| Office | Governor of Vermont |
| Term start | January 5, 2017 |
| Predecessor | Peter Shumlin |
| Birth date | November 4, 1958 |
| Birth place | Bethel, Vermont |
| Party | Republican Party |
| Alma mater | University of Vermont |
Phil Scott is an American politician and businessman serving as the 82nd Governor of Vermont since 2017. Before his governorship he was a member of the Vermont Senate and served as Lieutenant Governor of Vermont from 2011 to 2017. His career combines private sector leadership in the transportation and construction industries with a pragmatic, often bipartisan approach in state politics.
Early life and education
Scott was born in Bethel, Vermont and raised in Brookfield, Vermont. He attended local elementary and secondary schools before matriculating at the University of Vermont, where he studied business administration and completed undergraduate coursework. During his youth he participated in community organizations in Windsor County and was involved in regional athletics and local civic groups.
Business career
Scott worked in family-owned and regional businesses, including roles at DuBois Construction, a heavy equipment and excavation firm based in Vermont. He advanced through operations and management positions, overseeing fleets, maintenance, and contracting projects tied to state transportation departments and municipal public works. His private-sector experience included workforce supervision, budgeting, contract negotiation, and engagement with regional trade associations in New England.
Political career
Scott began his political career serving on the Washington County Selectboard before election to the Vermont House of Representatives and subsequently the Vermont Senate. In the Vermont Senate he represented Windsor County and served on committees addressing finance, transportation, and economic development. In 2010 he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, serving under Governors Peter Shumlin and later coordinating with other statewide officials including members of the Vermont Agency of Administration.
Governorship (2017–present)
Scott was first elected governor in November 2016, succeeding Peter Shumlin. His administration has worked with the Vermont General Assembly on budgets, tax policy, and public health measures. During his tenure he dealt with state responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating with the Vermont Department of Health and regional public health officials. Scott has also collaborated with interstate partners such as governors from New England and federal agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster relief and infrastructure funding.
Political positions and policies
Scott identifies with the Republican Party but has frequently taken positions at odds with national party leadership, emphasizing bipartisan consensus in the Vermont Statehouse. He supports pragmatic fiscal policy involving balanced budgets, negotiations with the Vermont Legislature on taxation and spending, and investments in infrastructure projects tied to state transportation networks. On social issues Scott has expressed moderate stances, coordinating with groups active in healthcare reform, opioid epidemic response, and mental health services. He has prioritized rural economic development, working with regional development agencies and institutions like the Vermont Economic Development Authority on job creation and workforce training.
Scott’s administration has engaged with environmental and energy initiatives, working alongside the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and utilities to implement renewable energy programs consistent with regional climate goals set by New England governors and energy commissions. On public safety and criminal justice he has supported measures involving state law enforcement agencies and correctional oversight boards, while advocating for treatment-oriented approaches coordinated with health agencies.
Electoral history
Scott’s electoral history includes wins in state legislative races leading to his Vermont Senate tenure, election as Lieutenant Governor of Vermont in 2010, and gubernatorial victories in 2016 and subsequent reelection campaigns. He has competed in statewide general elections against candidates from the Democratic Party, the Liberty Union Party, and independent challengers, often emphasizing cross-party appeal in Vermont’s political environment. His campaigns have mobilized support in counties across the state, including Chittenden County, Windsor County, and Rutland County.
Category:Governors of Vermont Category:People from Bethel, Vermont Category:University of Vermont alumni