The state where governors are elected every two years
In short: Vermont and New Hampshire stand alone in a unique American political structure: their governors face the voters every two years. This high-frequency cycle creates a distinct political environment, as seen in 2016 when a narrow plurality forced a legislative showdown to decide the state's leadership.
The 2016 Vermont gubernatorial election highlighted the intensity of a biennial system where the margin for error is slim. In this cycle, incumbent Democratic Governor Peter Shumlin chose not to seek a fourth term, leading to a competitive field that included high-profile figures like former Secretary of Transportation Sue Minter and Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott. While many expected an easy path for the incumbent's party, the race became a battle of ideologies and personalities.
The primary season saw significant activity, including the entry of 'outsider' candidates like retired Wall Street executive Bruce Lisman and perennial candidate Cris Ericson. The Republican primary was particularly notable; while Phil Scott secured the nomination by a large margin and received endorsements from most active Republican politicians, he faced internal criticism from Lisman for being too closely tied to the outgoing Shumlin administration. This friction underscored the difficulty of balancing party unity with 'outsider' appeal in a small state.
The general election resulted in a razor-thin victory for Phil Scott over Sue Minter. Because neither candidate secured a majority, the result was ultimately decided by the Vermont General Assembly. The Assembly chose Scott by a margin of just 110 votes to 69. This outcome marked a significant shift: it was the first time since 1992 that Vermont elected a governor from a different party than the incumbent president.
This biennial cycle ensures that Vermont's leadership remains in constant flux, requiring candidates to maintain high visibility and public favor over shorter intervals than their neighbors. The 2016 results serve as a case study in how close margins can lead to legislative intervention, effectively shifting the power of election from the direct popular vote to the state assembly.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2016 Vermont gubernatorial election
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