MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont’s next governor is going to be chosen by the state Legislature in January.

At the close of election night, incumbent Gov. Peter Shumlin had about 46.7 percent of the vote while his Republican challenger Scott Milne had just over 45 percent.

Under the Vermont Constitution, candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and treasurer are required to win a minimum of 50 percent plus one to be elected directly. If not, the race is decided by the Legislature.

In Vermont history, 23 previous gubernatorial elections have been decided by the Legislature. Recent tradition dictates that the candidate who comes in second concedes the race.

Lawmakers elected Shumlin to his first term in 2011 after he got 49.5 percent in the 2010 election.

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