Map › Vermont › Amanda Janoo

Amanda Janoo

Democratic/Progressive candidate for Governor, Vermont · Challenger

Economist; most recently worked with the Wellbeing Economy Alliance and the think tank New America

Amanda Janoo is an economist from Burlington who was raised in Vermont and previously worked internationally for the United Nations. She entered the race for governor in March 2026 and won the Democratic primary on August 11, 2026, defeating Aly Richards. She is on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot as the Democratic/Progressive nominee.

Where Janoo stands

Education governance and funding

Opposes forced school consolidation and supports keeping small local schools. She says she has not seen evidence that consolidation saves money or improves outcomes because it does not address cost drivers like health care.

Education governance and funding

Calls Gov. Scott's education reform plan "a thinly veiled attack on public education."

Health care

Proposes free, universal primary health care in Vermont, paid for by higher taxes on high earners.

Property taxes

Proposes raising property taxes on wealthy out-of-state owners, including taxes on second homes, while lowering taxes for working-class residents. She argues health care costs are a root driver of school spending.

Affordability and cost of living

Proposes raising income taxes on Vermont's highest earners. She argues the state already has the resources to meet basic needs and lower costs for working-class residents through tax and policy reforms.

Affordability and cost of living (housing)

Says the state should push back against corporate and private-equity ownership of Vermont's housing stock, which she argues puts everyday residents at a disadvantage.

Homelessness

Says the state is making it harder for people to be homeless without offering clear pathways or alternatives for where they can go.

Background

• Economist; previously worked internationally for the United Nations
• Worked with the Wellbeing Economy Alliance and the think tank New America
• Resident of Burlington; grew up in Vermont
• Won the 2026 Democratic primary for governor (August 11, 2026)
• Endorsed by the Vermont State Employees' Association and Vermont-NEA

In the news

• Gov. Scott put property taxes and school consolidation center stage. Now Amanda Janoo is rallying opposition. VTDigger, October 22, 2026
• Scott and Janoo differ on healthcare, school consolidation and taxes in first debate Vermont Public, October 21, 2026
• Amanda Janoo pitches voters on a new governor — and a new economy Vermont Public, October 20, 2026
• Campaign Countdown: Scott, Janoo offer contrasting approaches to addiction, homelessness WCAX, October 19, 2026
• MVSU Host Gubernatorial Candidate Amanda Janoo The Mountain Times, October 14, 2026

Also running for Governor

• June Goodband Peace and Justice
• Brian Judd Independent
• Dean Roy Freedom and Unity
• Phil Scott Republican

Sources

• Vermont Public – Janoo wins Democratic primary
• Vermont Public – Janoo profile
• Vermont Public – Governor debate
• VTDigger – Property taxes and school consolidation
• Seven Days – Janoo profile
• WCAX – Addiction and homelessness
• Mountain Times – MVSU forum
• Vermont Public – Democratic primary debate transcript
• Vermont-NEA endorsement
• Ballotpedia – Amanda Janoo

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.