Vermont boy, 14, makes history with spot on governor ballot, aims to engage younger voters

A 14-year-old high school student is set to appear on Vermont’s general election ballot for governor this November, a first for the state.

Dean Roy, a freshman at Stowe High School, entered the race after a brief stint as a legislative page at the State House. His interest in politics, he says, took shape only recently – in 8th grade.

He does not frame the campaign as a likely win. Instead, the focus is elsewhere.
“I don’t expect necessarily to win,” Roy said, adding that the goal is to encourage more young people to step forward and engage with the system.

Vermont’s no minimum age rule explained

Roy’s candidacy is possible because Vermont’s constitution sets no minimum age for gubernatorial candidates. The only clear requirement is residency, which involves living in the state for four years.

That gap has drawn attention before. In 2018, another teenager, Ethan Sonneborn, ran in the Democratic primary but finished last.

But Roy took a different route. He formed a new third party, the Freedom and Unity Party, securing a place directly on the general election ballot.

Most states operate differently. Many set minimum age limits, often at 30. Kansas revised its rules in 2018, introducing a 25-year threshold after multiple teenagers filed to run.

Debate over Dean Roy’s eligibility grow

Not everyone agrees with the interpretation of Vermont’s rules.

Peter Teachout, a professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School, points to language in the Constitution tied to voter eligibility, which sets 18 as the qualifying age.

Even so, he downplayed the practical impact of Roy’s candidacy.

“In theory, a four-year-old could run for governor. Should we be worried about it? No,” Teachout told NY Post, suggesting voters are unlikely to support such bids.

Mixed reactions from experts and educators

Reaction to Roy’s candidacy has been mixed. Some see the campaign as symbolic. Others view it as a genuine attempt to engage younger voices.

Roy has been direct in his messaging, questioning long-standing leadership and arguing that existing approaches are falling short.

His former teacher, James Carpenter, described him as serious and driven.

“There’s no gimmick behind this,” Carpenter said, adding that Roy combines curiosity with a level of focus not typical for his age.

If elected, Roy has already considered the logistics – from attending classes online to doing homework at night.

For now, Roy’s campaign continues, but the outcome remains uncertain.