14-Year-Old Makes History Running for Vermont Governor

Most 14-year-olds worry about homework and weekend plans. Dean Roy is preparing to run for governor of Vermont.

The Stowe High School freshman will appear on November's general election ballot after creating his own political party, the Freedom and Unity party. He's making history as the first person under 18 to reach a general election for governor in the state.

Vermont's constitution doesn't set a minimum age for governor candidates. It only requires that they've lived in the state for four years. Nearly every other state requires candidates to be at least 30 years old.

Roy's political journey started just last year when he worked as a legislative page at the Vermont Statehouse. That eighth-grade experience sparked something bigger.

"I know it sounds crazy, a 14-year-old running for governor, but honestly, look at the people in charge right now," Roy said. "They've been doing this forever and things still aren't working."

He's realistic about his chances. Roy doesn't expect to win this election. Instead, he wants to start a movement that brings more young voices into politics.

His former history teacher James Carpenter describes Roy as an "old soul" with endless curiosity. While most teens aren't thinking about property taxes or healthcare policy, Roy has already mapped out how he'd balance school with governing. He's considering online classes and plans to tackle homework after work each night.

Why This Inspires

Roy's campaign challenges our assumptions about who gets to shape the future. At 14, he's already advocating for housing reform, which he considers Vermont's most critical issue. He doesn't identify with either major party and believes fresh perspectives matter more than decades of experience.

His message resonates beyond Vermont. In 2018, eighth-grader Ethan Sonneborn ran for the Democratic nomination but finished last in the primary. Roy took a different path by creating his own party, showing that determination can open new doors.

Current Governor Phil Scott applauds Roy's civic engagement but questions whether a teenager has the experience needed to run a state. Roy pushes back, arguing that age doesn't determine fitness for office.

"What I want is to show them that the youth have a voice," Roy said. "We're gonna make change. The future is now."

Whether he wins or loses in November, Roy has already accomplished something remarkable: proving that young people don't have to wait their turn to participate in democracy.