As Governor Phil Scott Gets Results, Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball Moves Vermont Gov Race From “Likely GOP” To “Safe GOP”

As he holds the line against tax increases and fights to spur job growth in Vermont, Governor Phil Scott’s results-driven leadership has put him in strong position for re-election this year. This morning, Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball changed its rating for Vermont’s 2018 gubernatorial race from “Likely Republican” to “Safe Republican,” noting Governor Scott’s increasing odds of winning in the fall.

Governor Scott joins fellow GOP Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts as the second incumbent GOP governor in New England whose re-election is now rated as “Safe Republican” by Sabato’s Crystal Ball. Governing as a Republican in a state that has traditionally been one of the bluest in the country, Governor Scott’s bipartisan, pro-jobs policies have Vermont moving forward, putting him in strong position for victory in November.

The Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball writes:

“In the Green Mountain State, first-term Gov. Phil Scott (R-VT) won a comfortable initial victory in 2016, winning by about nine points in an open seat battle to succeed now-former Gov. Peter Shumlin (D). Scott is on the ballot again: Vermont, along with New Hampshire, still has two-year gubernatorial terms… But we do not get the sense that national Democrats are focused on this race, and Scott hasn’t done anything to indicate that he is in danger of losing his bid for a second term. Scott joins Gov. Charlie Baker (R-MA) as a New England Republican governor rated by the Crystal Ball as Safe Republican.”