Phil Scott, David Zuckerman react to Tuesday's election results

Two hours after polls closed Tuesday night, Gov. Phil Scott thanked Vermonters for voting him into his third term.

More:RESULTS: Phil Scott wins re-election, lieutenant governor race too early to call

"Your faith and trust in me is the greatest honor of my life," Scott said, appearing on video from his motorcycle garage. "I will continue to work every single day to make the lives of Vermonters better, our economy stronger and our state more affordable for families and businesses."

Scott, a former race car driver and construction business executive, has been widely praised for his management of the COVID pandemic in Vermont, as well as for his avoidance of divisive political rhetoric.

"The truth is, disagreeing about taxes, fees, regulations and programs, or which candidate to support -- these things don’t make us enemies," Scott said Tuesday. "A healthy democracy requires passionate debate, but it needs to be civil."

Earlier in the day, Scott announced that his vote for presidential candidate Joe Biden was his first-ever for a Democrat.

Zuckerman pledges to work with Scott

Runner-up Progressive/Democratic candidate David Zuckerman, currently serving as Vermont's lieutenant governor, said in an online video appearance that he would support Scott through the challenges of COVID and in the aftermath of a polarizing presidential election.

"I'm ready to stand by him for our democracy, for the decency that we expect in Vermont and that we can be leaders in this country if need be," Zuckerman said.

"While this election did not go our way, I want to thank all Vermonters for their consideration and the conversations we've had in this election."

Zuckerman was elected lieutenant governor in 2016. The Hinesburg farmer has also represented his district as a senator and representative in the Vermont Legislature.

The full transcript of Gov. Scott's post-election address:

"Today, Vermonters have spoken and I’m humbled to earn your support once again.

"Your faith and trust in me is the greatest honor of my life and I will continue to work every single day to make the lives of Vermonters better, our economy stronger and our state more affordable for families and businesses.

"As you know, we’re facing some of the greatest challenges of our lifetime. This global pandemic has impacted all of us in so many ways. Our way of life has been disrupted, there’s a lot of uncertainty and far too many lives and livelihoods have been lost.

"I’m proud of how Vermonters have stepped up and met the moment. It’s because of you -- your hard work, your compassion for others and your commitment to community -- that Vermont has led the nation.

"But, as I’ve said many times, we cannot let our guard down. And as we enter the winter months, we must remain vigilant. If we do, I’m confident we’ll continue to lead the nation and more importantly, keep our loved ones safe, our kids in school and emerge from this pandemic faster and stronger than any other state.

"As well as thanking you, I want to thank my entire team, who have been instrumental in leading the state’s response -- from my staff and Cabinet, to our health experts and the dedicated public servants throughout state government. They’ve worked incredibly hard on the front lines of this fight for more than eight months. Each one of them has my deepest respect and appreciation, and I’m fortunate to have them by my side as we begin another term.

"I ran for Governor because I believe Vermont can build a stronger and more diverse economy, be more affordable for families and businesses, and create more opportunities for our kids. And I believe the best way to have the resources to take care of those in need, protect our environment and address climate change is to grow the economy in all 251 communities and all 14 counties in Vermont -- not just in a few.

"On my very first day in office, almost four years ago, I signed an executive order outlining my strategic goals to grow the economy, make Vermont more affordable, and protect the most vulnerable. And while we’ve made progress, I know there is still so much more to do.

"I want to assure you, even as we face and fight this virus, these priorities will be just as important during my next term as they were in my first, and they will continue to guide my team as we rebuild and recover from the pandemic.

"But perhaps even more importantly, we must heal our country because we simply cannot go on like this.

"Our nation is hurting, not just from COVID-19, but because of another virus that has infected the hearts and minds of too many Americans: That of hate, fear and division.

"We must confront this with the same force and energy we’re putting toward the coronavirus. And here’s how: First, let’s be better, kinder and more understanding; let’s listen to and learn from one another; and let’s prioritize our common humanity, our love of family and our concern for their health and welfare.

"Right now, we’re seeing a political system that defines anyone you disagree with as the enemy. The truth is, disagreeing about taxes, fees, regulations and programs, or which candidate to support -- these things don’t make us enemies. A healthy democracy requires passionate debate, but it needs to be civil.

"When they become nasty, personal and, even worse, violent, that’s when our real enemies -- those who don’t believe in core American values -- gain ground. Because they use the distraction to fan the embers of hate, fear and division

"We’ve got to rise above them to move America forward. All of us -- moderates, conservatives, and liberals; Republicans, independents, and Democrats -- can succeed if we work together.

"Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying to avoid heated debate because as I said, debate is healthy. But in order to solve problems and help people, we must find common ground and then work from there.

"Just as Vermont has been a leader in our response to the pandemic, I believe we can lead the way in this regard as well.

"We can be better role models and treat everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve, especially when we disagree. We can prove that our strength is in the diversity of our people and opinions and show that by listening to and learning from each other, we can achieve equal rights, equal justice, equal opportunity and a more perfect union.

"So tonight -- even though we don’t know the outcome of many races -- as Vermonters and as Americans, let’s come together and rise above the hate, fear and division so we can emerge from this difficult time in our history as a stronger, more united, and more compassionate nation than ever before.

"Thank you again for your faith and trust in me. I’ll continue to do my very best for all Vermonters."

Contact Joel Banner Baird at 802-660-1843 or joelbaird@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @VTgoingUp. Contact Ethan Bakuli at (802) 556-1804 or ebakuli@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BakuliEthan.

This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.