Vermont's 14-Year-Old Gubernatorial Candidate Makes History on General Election Ballot
In a groundbreaking political development, a 14-year-old high school freshman has become the first candidate under the age of 18 to secure a place on Vermont's general election ballot for governor. Dean Roy, a student at Stowe High School, is challenging traditional age barriers in American politics with his unprecedented campaign.
From Legislative Page to Gubernatorial Hopeful
Roy traces his political ambitions back to the eighth grade, which for him was just last year. His interest was sparked after serving as a legislative page at the Vermont Statehouse, an experience that inspired him to aim for the state's highest office. Despite his youth, Roy has managed to navigate the electoral process by creating his own third party, the Freedom and Unity party, which enabled him to bypass primary contests and directly enter the general election.
"I don't expect necessarily to win," Roy admitted candidly. "What I do expect is to start the movement, and get more young people to come in behind me and say, 'Yeah, we also want to make change.'" His campaign is built on a platform of youth engagement and challenging the status quo, arguing that career politicians have failed to address pressing issues.
Vermont's Unique Constitutional Landscape
Roy's candidacy is possible due to Vermont's constitution, which sets no minimum age requirement for gubernatorial candidates. The only stipulation is that candidates must have resided in the state for four years. This contrasts sharply with nearly all other states, where minimum age requirements for governor are typically set at 30 years old. In Kansas, for example, lawmakers raised the minimum age to 25 in 2018 after six teenagers ran for office.
However, legal experts like Peter Teachout, a professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School, offer a different interpretation. Teachout points to a constitutional section linking voter privileges to being 18 years old, suggesting potential ambiguities. "In theory, a 4-year-old could run for governor. Should we be worried about it? No," he remarked. "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."
Support and Skepticism from the Community
Roy's former history teacher, James Carpenter, praises his determination and character. "It just really shows what type of kid Dean is. He’s very earnest in what he’s doing. There’s no gimmick behind this," Carpenter said. "I think he blends that youthful optimism with some pragmatism that few kids have." Describing Roy as an "old soul" with endless curiosity, Carpenter highlights how the teen stands out from peers typically unconcerned with issues like property taxes or healthcare.
On the other hand, current Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, applauds Roy's interest in politics but questions his readiness. Through press secretary Amanda Wheeler, Scott expressed that while youth involvement is important, a teenager may lack the experience and lived perspectives needed for such a role. Roy counters this by arguing that age is irrelevant to fitness for office, emphasizing his goal to disrupt political norms and amplify youth voices.
Campaign Priorities and Practical Challenges
Roy, who does not identify with either major party, cites housing as the most critical issue facing Vermont. He has also considered the logistical challenges of balancing school with gubernatorial duties, proposing online classes and nighttime homework sessions if elected. His campaign messaging on social media, particularly Instagram, critiques established leaders: "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."
This is not the first time a teen has sought Vermont's governorship; in 2018, another eighth-grader, Ethan Sonneborn, ran for the Democratic nomination but finished last in a four-way primary. Roy's success in reaching the general election ballot marks a significant step forward for youth candidates in the state.
"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 asserted. "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."
