He is QUITE far from your average Republican. I'd say he's an independent running fiscally conservative He supports LGBTQ and gay marriage He's pro abortion He separates state and church Maybe not extensively, but he has passed gun control and reform He admitted that he did not vote for Trump and instead voted for Biden; called for Trump to concede; did not support the insurrection.

He now has a lot of experience that sets him apart from others. He has done a lot for the state over the years, it's just not flashy or glamorized or instant so folks often look over it all. I truly believe he has the public in mind / does what he can without others getting in the way / beaucracy of govt.

He is very level headed and good at public speaking. He really has that down to earth Vermont vibe, while at the same time can keep professional. This is what gets the country red voters in Vermont as well as the blue voters as well. He's not out there on a pedestal playing fancy politician, and likewise he's not in a commercial with a fucking AK-47 looking like an assshat like other state republicans portray their campaign. One thing I love about him if he IS receptive to the public and ideas, and while he doesn't always agree he doesn't shut things down instantly. When he talks It's not all fluffed up, it's straightforward and clear. That's what Vermonters like. IMO he did a tremendous job navigating covid and in educating public /public safety measures. On top of that, knowing he HAS been in office for so long reassures the public that he knows how to do this job, he's not a newbie.

Our democratic candidates over the terms either don't have the experience to match a governor's experience, or they're too extreme to capture the many red county votes of Vermont, or they're just too political / annoying.