102 Democratic House Seats Secure Veto-Proof Majority in Vermont

Vermont voters have shifted the balance of power in Montpelier, granting Democrats the legislative control needed to override executive vetoes. While Republican Governor Phil Scott remains in office, his narrowed electoral margin reduces his leverage against a unified Democratic and Progressive coalition.

The shift follows a series of electoral changes that reversed earlier trends. In 2024, Republicans captured historic gains in the House. This year, those advantages were erased as Democrats expanded their base. The 2023 session, during which Democrats held a similar supermajority, saw the legislature enact a payroll tax and renewable energy mandates over Scott's objections. That period ended with Scott criticizing the legislature for spending, a dynamic McCann, a Democratic speaker candidate, acknowledged as a cautionary precedent for the new majority.

Unofficial results from the Vermont Secretary of State indicate that Democrats will increase their House representation from 87 to 102 seats. In the Senate, their numbers will rise from 17 to 20. Republicans will lose 18 House seats, dropping their count, and their Senate presence will shrink from 13 to eight. Progressives will more than double their House seats, moving from three to seven.

The new composition allows for a tax surcharge on incomes over $500,000, a proposal previously blocked by veto threats. Senate Appropriations Chair Andrew Perchlik described the election as a "tsunami" that opens a wider window for legislative action. However, House Majority Leader Lori Houghton, a speaker candidate, said she prefers tripartisan collaboration. She noted that Scott must change his rhetoric about working with the legislature to build that cooperation.

Governor Scott will deliver his inaugural address and budget proposal in January. He stated that he and Democratic lawmakers will disagree on key issues but must find ways to make progress. He emphasized that the parties do not need to agree on everything to accomplish their goals. The legislative leadership elections for speaker and president pro tem will occur in January, with candidates including Houghton, McCann, and Perchlik competing to define the agenda of the new session.

Barre Town Representative Gina Galfetti, a Republican speaker candidate, highlighted affordability as the common platform for all candidates. She is already working with a Progressive ally on down payment assistance legislation. Campaign strategist Natalie Silver advised Democrats that while they hold power, they should avoid the perception of a mandate to tax and spend. She noted that Scott’s fiscal message remains a key constraint for the new majority.

Progressive Representative Brian Cina said his caucus seeks greater respect from both major parties. He warned that using their numbers to force legislation could trigger a future red wave. McCann, who aims to shift school funding from property tax to income tax, said the new majority must be held accountable for every dollar spent. The new legislative session begins in January, with the budget proposal setting the initial tone for the year.