Democrat Esther Charlestin emerged victorious in Vermont’s gubernatorial primary, earning the opportunity to challenge Republican governor Phil Scott in the upcoming election. Charlestin, an educator and first-generation Haitian American, defeated computer scientist Peter Duvall in the primary. Scott, who has served as governor for four terms, did not face a primary challenger. Charlestin received endorsements from former Democrat Gov. Howard Dean, Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, and Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak.
Despite acknowledging that he was unlikely to win the election, Duvall urged voters to support him to elevate environmental issues in state politics. He also encouraged Republicans and progressives to write in his name in their party primaries. In a predominantly Democratic state, Scott remains a popular figure, having received 69% of the vote in the 2022 general election. Despite being a Republican governor, Scott has been critical of former President Donald Trump and endorsed former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley for president. He revealed that he was among the 66% of Vermont voters who voted for Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
The Republican National Committee filed a lawsuit over noncitizen voting rights in Vermont’s largest city. This legal action comes amidst the recent gubernatorial primary results, as Charlestin secured the Democratic nomination to challenge Scott in the upcoming election. Despite facing criticism from within his own party, Scott remains a popular and respected figure in Vermont politics. He has taken a stance against former President Trump and has endorsed a Democratic candidate for president in the past. Charlestin’s victory in the primary sets the stage for an interesting and competitive race between the Democrat and the incumbent Republican governor.
The 2022 gubernatorial primary in Vermont was marked by Charlestin’s victory over Duvall, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between the Democrat and Republican governor Phil Scott. Charlestin’s background as an educator and first-generation Haitian American resonated with voters, leading to her success in the primary. Scott, who has served as governor for four terms, is a popular figure in Vermont, despite being a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state. His criticism of former President Trump and his endorsement of Democratic candidates have garnered attention and respect from across the political spectrum.
In conclusion, Esther Charlestin’s victory in the Vermont gubernatorial primary sets the stage for a competitive election against incumbent Republican governor Phil Scott. The Democrat’s background as an educator and first-generation Haitian American, combined with endorsements from prominent Democratic figures, propelled her to success in the primary. Scott’s popularity in the state, despite being a Republican, remains strong, with his criticism of former President Trump and support for Democratic candidates influencing his standing with voters. The legal challenges over noncitizen voting rights in Vermont’s largest city add another layer of complexity to the upcoming election, as both candidates prepare to make their case to the voters of Vermont.
