WCAX Hosts Vermont Gubernatorial Debate Tonight
Vermont candidates Phil Scott and Amanda Janoo face off in a live one-hour debate.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections
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Vermont gubernatorial candidates Phil Scott and Amanda Janoo are set to debate live tonight on WCAX. The one-hour event takes place less than a week before Election Day.
Why it matters
The debate offers voters a final opportunity to compare the platforms and policy priorities of the candidates in a direct format before casting their ballots.
The debate begins at 7 p.m. with viewers able to watch via Channel 3 or the station's online livestream player. This event necessitates a schedule shift, moving the CBS Evening News to 6:30 p.m.
The players
Phil Scott
He is a candidate for Governor of Vermont.
Amanda Janoo
She is a candidate for Governor of Vermont.
WCAX
This is a television station based in Burlington, Vermont, that provides local news and programming.
The details
The program is held at the WCAX studio in Burlington, Vermont, to accommodate the final face-off between the candidates. Due to the broadcast, the station's 6 p.m. news will be shortened to allow for the debate coverage.
Timeline
The debate takes place on October 28, 2026.
The gubernatorial debate begins at 7 p.m.
Political Context
This broadcast follows the long-standing precedent of staging high-profile debates in the final week of a state election cycle to finalize voter information. Opposition groups often view these late-stage events as limited, preferring earlier debates that allow more time for policy scrutiny.
Residents can tune in to the broadcast to hear directly from candidates regarding state policy before heading to the polls. The shifted evening schedule may impact regular viewing habits for those who follow the 6 p.m. news cycle.
The takeaway
Voters should use this final debate to resolve any remaining uncertainty regarding candidate positions on key issues. Planning to watch the event live is the most effective way for residents to participate in the final stage of the election cycle.
What happens next
The gubernatorial election takes place on Election Day, occurring less than one week after this debate.
Further reading
For more background on the state's upcoming races, visit the Vermont Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wcax.
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Do televised political debates help you decide which candidate to support in an election?
