New England Loves Its Moderate Republican Governors

Vermont politics is dominated by Democrats — except for its governorship.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott speaks to reporters.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has not said whether he will run for reelection next year. Lisa Rathke/AP

Moderate Republicans are becoming more rare in national politics. But they’re hanging on — and even thriving — in mostly blue New England.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is a prime example. A recent University of New Hampshire poll found that more than half of Vermonters approved of Scott’s performance as governor and want him to run for reelection next year. Even a majority of Democrats in the state approved of his handling of the job, despite them saying he was to their right politically.

So how is a Republican governor performing so well in a deep blue state?