Economist Upends Vermont Politics | Burlington News

Burlington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 13, 2026 · 2m

Amanda Janoo stunned the political world by pulling off a surprise win in Vermont’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, defeating better-funded and more endorsed rival Aly Richards. An economist with no prior campaign experience, Janoo ran on bold structural reforms—like taxing the wealthy and tech giants to fund universal healthcare—and tapped into voters’ hunger for real change. She outmaneuvered Richards by positioning herself as an authentic outsider, energizing grassroots supporters and capitalizing on Richards’ establishment image. A pro-Richards PAC’s late-game ad blitz may have…