Phil Scott won the Republican nomination for governor in Vermont. He became the 82nd governor in January 2017 and in 2020, was reelected to a third term. “As Governor, he is committed to making a difference in the lives of Vermonters by growing the state’s economy, making Vermont more affordable, and protecting the most vulnerable”, the official Vermont governor’s website details. 

He grew up in Barre and was educated at Spaulding High School before going on to study at the University of Vermont. “Growing up, I didn’t have a political bone in my body”, the self-described “hands-on learner,” says as per his site. 

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Scott’s first business was a boat rental and lawn mowing service on Lake Elmore after which he opened a motorcycle shop. Eventually, he made a shift to the construction business and after a while, working for Dubois Construction, Scott managed to buy the company with the help of his cousin, making weekly payments. 

When running for Vermont Senate in 2000, Scott tried championing the voices of working-class people. He also held positions as the Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee and Chair of the Institutions Committee. 

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In 2010, he was elected the Lt Governor and started the Everyday Jobs Initiative, and Vermont Economy Pitch to ensure he learns from the employers that Vermont’s economy benefits from. 

Scott first announced his intention to run for governor in September 2015, saying “I’ve made this decision because I believe too many families and employers are on the economic edge. For them to thrive and our state to prosper we must revitalize the fundamentals of a strong, healthy economy that expands the middle class, lifts wages, and attracts working families, entrepreneurs and new jobs… It is time for Vermont to move forward, beginning with a change in the Governor’s office…I will be a steady hand at the helm, provide balanced leadership that values listening, stand up for working families and confront our crisis of affordability in meaningful ways. Practical leadership that is in touch with the needs of everyday families and small businesses will rebuild faith and trust in government and move Vermont forward in very positive ways”. 

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The GOP member lives with his wife Diana McTeague Scott in Berlin. Scott has two grown daughters Erica and Rachael.