Dean Roy, a 14-year-old freshman at Stowe High School in Vermont, is making history as the youngest candidate to appear on the state's general election ballot for governor. His political journey began only last year, when he served as a legislative page at the Vermont Statehouse. Now, with his sights set firmly on the governor's office, Roy hopes to inspire a new generation of young people to engage actively in politics and push for change.
Roy is not the first teenager to run for governor in Vermont. In 2018, Ethan Sonneborn, also an eighth grader at the time, sought the Democratic nomination for governor but finished last in a four-way primary race. Unlike Sonneborn, Roy secured his place on the general election ballot by founding his own third party, the Freedom and Unity party. Vermont's unique state constitution allows such candidacies, as it does not specify a minimum age for gubernatorial candidates. The only requirements are that candidates have been residents of the state for at least four years.
Roy acknowledges that his candidacy might seem unconventional. In a post on his campaign's Instagram page, he responded to critics by pointing out the current political landscape: "I know it sounds crazy, a 14-year-old running for governor, but honestly, look at the people in charge right now. They've been doing this forever and things still aren't working." His campaign is less about winning and more about sparking a movement. Roy wants to encourage other young people to believe that they too can make a difference in government and public policy.
Most other U.S. states impose minimum age requirements for gubernatorial candidates, often setting the bar at 30 years old. Kansas, for example, raised its minimum age to 25 in 2018 after six teenagers ran for governor that year.
Vermont's permissiveness in this regard is unusual. Peter Teachout, a professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School, offers a slightly different interpretation of the state's constitution. He notes that the document specifies that voting privileges are granted only to those 18 and older, implying that candidates might also be expected to meet this age threshold.
However, Teachout also suggests that the state's residents are unlikely to be seriously concerned about Roy's candidacy. He remarked, "In theory, a 4-year-old could run for governor. Should we be worried about it?
No. Vermonters can be a little cantankerous and provocative just for the fun of it, but it is not something they are likely to support in this context."
Despite questions about his age, Roy has the support of some adults who know him well. James Carpenter, Roy's former history teacher, praises the teenager's earnestness and maturity. Carpenter describes Roy as an "old soul" with a deep curiosity about the world around him. He notes that Roy's campaign is not a gimmick but a genuine effort fueled by youthful optimism balanced with pragmatism. Carpenter said, "It just really shows what type of kid Dean is. He's very earnest in what he's doing."
Roy himself does not align with either of the major political parties. He identifies housing affordability as the most pressing issue facing Vermont. Recognizing the demands of both school and a potential governorship, Roy has contemplated how he would manage his time. He mentioned considering online classes and doing homework during evening hours after fulfilling gubernatorial duties, showing a pragmatic approach to balancing education and public service.
The current governor of Vermont, Republican Phil Scott, acknowledges Roy's enthusiasm for public service but expresses reservations about whether someone so young could handle the responsibilities of running the state. Scott's press secretary, Amanda Wheeler, stated, "He believes it's important for our youth to get involved. But the Governor also believes that a teenager may not be best suited to serve in that role given the lack of experience and lived perspectives youth have at that point in their lives." This perspective underscores the traditional view that age and experience are critical qualifications for executive leadership.
Roy, however, rejects the notion that age should be a barrier to political office. He wants to disrupt the existing political order by demonstrating that youth voices matter and can challenge entrenched interests. "What I'm aiming for is that these career politicians look at me and they say, 'Oh my God, he actually has a chance to disrupt things,'" Roy said. "If I can get people to think that I am a threat to them, then I know that's been a success. Because what I want is to show them that the youth have a voice. We're gonna make change. The future is now."
Roy's campaign represents more than just a personal political ambition; it signals a broader desire among younger generations to participate actively in governance and policy-making. By running for governor at such a young age, he is challenging conventional wisdom about who is qualified to lead and what kinds of voices should be heard in politics. His campaign may inspire other young people to consider political engagement, potentially reshaping the future of Vermont's political landscape.
While Roy's chances of winning may be slim, his presence on the ballot invites reflection on how political participation is defined and who gets to be a part of it. Vermont's permissive constitutional rules provide a unique opportunity for youth involvement, and Roy is taking full advantage of that. Whether or not he wins, his campaign could mark the beginning of a movement toward greater inclusion of young voices in politics.
As the November election approaches, all eyes will be on this historic candidacy. Roy's campaign could serve as a case study in youth political activism, the challenges and opportunities of running for high office at a young age, and the ways in which traditional political structures can be questioned and potentially changed. Regardless of the outcome, Dean Roy's run for governor is a noteworthy example of how young people are increasingly seeking to shape the future of their communities and states through direct political action.
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Associated Press reporter Holly Ramer contributed to this report from Concord, New Hampshire.