Vermont Democrats Regain Veto-Proof Senate Majority

Democrats flipped at least four Senate seats and at least ten House seats in the November 3, 2026 election, according to vote counts.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Legislative Policy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a white-columned civic building with a low dome under a pale mountain ridge, in navy and cream. — Democrats flipped at least four Vermont Senate seats and at least ten House seats in the November 3 election, restoring a veto-proof Senate majority. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Vermont Democrats gained state legislative seats in the November 2026 election, returning to a veto-proof majority in the state Senate. The Associated Press reported 99% of votes counted as of Wednesday morning.

Why it matters

The shift restores a veto-proof majority in the Senate for Democrats, who earlier lost their supermajorities after Republicans made gains in 2024. Democrats will at a minimum hold a joint two-thirds majority in the House, according to party leadership, which affects how legislation can advance in Montpelier while Republican Gov. Phil Scott remains in office.

Democrats currently hold 87 House seats to Republicans' 56, with other parties holding seven, and at least four Senate seats were flipped in the vote. A number of House races remain too close to call, so final totals are still pending.

The players

Dave Wolk

Dave Wolk is an independent former Rutland County senator who won a Vermont Senate seat over Republican incumbent Terry Williams.

Phil Scott

Phil Scott is Vermont's Republican governor, who won reelection in the 2026 election.

The details

Democrats flipped Senate seats in Orange, Addison, Grand Isle, and the Chittenden-North District, and independent former Rutland County senator Dave Wolk defeated Republican Sen. Terry Williams. Progressive wins in the House combined with Democratic victories give the parties a joint two-thirds majority.

2024: Republicans won significant seats, shattering Democratic supermajorities in both chambers.
November 3, 2026: Election day, with Democrats flipping Senate and House seats.
November 4, 2026: Vote counting continued and party leaders gave interviews.

Political Context

The 2026 results reverse the Democratic supermajority losses that Republicans achieved in 2024, when both chambers lost their Democratic supermajorities. Republicans retain influence through Governor Phil Scott's reelection, which keeps a veto check on Democratic legislation.

With Democrats holding a veto-proof Senate majority, Vermont bills can advance over the governor's objections, which affects state tax and policy decisions residents experience directly. Final House results still depend on races that remained too close to call Wednesday morning.

The takeaway

Election results can shift quickly as counting continues, so Vermont voters should check final certified totals before drawing conclusions about the new legislative balance of power.