Nov 3, 2020 - Politics & Policy

GOP governor of Vermont casts vote for Biden

Shawna Chen

Photo of Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott standing next to 2018 challenger Christine Hallquist — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott with 2018 gubernatorial challenger Christine Hallquist. Photo: Don Emmert/AFP via Getty

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, told reporters on Election Day that he voted for Joe Biden, breaking from his party, per local newspaper Seven Days.

Why it matters: Scott's decision makes him the only incumbent Republican to publicly disclose his vote for the former VP in the election.

The state of play: The governor said he's never backed a Democrat presidential candidate prior to this election, adding he needed to do “some soul-searching” before he decided to throw his support behind Biden.

“President Trump has had four years to unite this country and has failed to do so,” Scott said. “We need someone who can pull us together … and I’m afraid that President Trump misses the mark.”
He noted that he disagrees with Biden on a number of policy proposals, but believes the former vice president can “heal the country.”

Flashback: In August, Scott said he was “quite adamant” about not supporting Trump, but did not confirm his plan to vote for Biden.

Trump “shouldn’t be in office,” the governor said in February. Scott supported Democrats’ efforts to impeach Trump in 2019.
Scott is among a handful of Republicans who have publicly criticized the president.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he “voted for Ronald Reagan” in this year’s election, writing in the late president's name, while Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker “blanked it.”

Of note: Scott is up for re-election against progressive Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, who has Sen. Bernie Sanders' support.

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GOP governor of Vermont casts vote for Biden

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