14-Year-Old Dean Roy Makes History on Vermont’s Governor Ballot — Aiming to Spark a Youth Movement

STOWE, Vt. — Dean Roy, a 14-year-old freshman at Stowe High School and a former legislative page at the Vermont Statehouse, will appear on Vermont's general election ballot for governor this November, becoming the first candidate under 18 to do so.

Roy secured his place on the ballot by founding his own third party, the Freedom and Unity Party. He says his run is less about winning and more about inspiring young people to engage in politics.

Why He Can Run

Vermont's constitution sets no minimum age for gubernatorial candidates; it requires only that candidates have been state residents for four years. That contrasts with nearly every other state, where governors are commonly required to be at least 30 years old. In 2018, for example, Kansas lawmakers raised the gubernatorial minimum to 25 after six teenagers ran for office.

The Vermont State House is seen on Jan. 8, 2026, in Montpelier, Vt. (AP Photo/Amanda Swinhart)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Reactions And Context

Legal experts offer different readings of Vermont's rules. Peter Teachout, a professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School, points to language in the constitution about who is "entitled to the privileges of a voter," which he says implies an 18-year benchmark for full civic participation. Even so, Teachout added he does not expect the teenager to win.

"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," Teachout said.

Roy's candidacy follows a precedent: Ethan Sonneborn, also an eighth-grader, ran for the Democratic nomination for Vermont governor in 2018 and finished last in a four-way primary.

Supporters And Skeptics

Roy's former history teacher, James Carpenter, praised his maturity and curiosity. "He’s very earnest in what he’s doing. There’s no gimmick behind this," Carpenter said, calling Roy an "old soul" who blends youthful optimism with pragmatism.

Dean Roystands outside the Vermont State House on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, in Montpelier, Vermont. (Chessie Roy via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Governor Phil Scott's office commended Roy's interest in civic engagement but questioned whether a teenager has the experience and perspective needed to run a state. "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," said press secretary Amanda Wheeler.

Policy Priorities And Practicalities

Roy says housing is the most important issue facing Vermont. He does not identify with either major party and has thought practically about balancing school with the duties of office — saying he would consider online classes and doing homework in the evenings if elected.

Roy frames his campaign as a challenge to career politicians. "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,'" he 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."

Associated Press reporter Holly Ramer contributed to this report from Concord, New Hampshire.