MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Republican Gov. Phil Scott is running for reelection to a second, fifth term in the largely blue state of Vermont.
Scott announced his bid for re-election on Saturday, saying there is more work to do.
“During my four terms as governor, my team and I have worked to grow our economy, make Vermont more affordable, and protect our most vulnerable people,” he said in a statement. “I have tried my best to transcend partisanship to solve problems and help people.”
He said while progress has been made, he cannot back down when the Democratic-controlled Congress is “so out of balance.” Mr. Scott and Congress have been at odds over spending and taxes, and Mr. Scott has vetoed a number of bills in recent years and is expected to veto more.
A Republican who combines fiscal conservatism and social liberalism, Scott is a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump and voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 election. He drew praise for leading Vermont through the coronavirus pandemic.
In his re-election campaign message, he urged his supporters to elect more members of Congress to work with him.
“Now, more than ever, we need Vermonters to make their voices heard and get involved,” he said.
When Scott first entered the state Senate more than 23 years ago, Democratic Sen. Dick Mazza protected and mentored him, he said in a campaign message. Mazza, who resigned from the Senate last month for health reasons, asked to be by his side Saturday as he announced his candidacy for re-election, which Scott called “a great honor.”