Dean Roy, a 14-year-old freshman at Stowe High School, will become the first gubernatorial candidate under 18 to appear on Vermont’s general election ballot this November. Roy formed the Freedom and Unity Party to bypass the state’s lack of a minimum age requirement for candidates, needing only four years of residency. He acknowledges the long odds but aims to inspire youth engagement in politics.
Roy previously worked as a legislative page at the Vermont Statehouse and identifies housing as the state’s biggest issue. His former history teacher described him as an 'old soul' with pragmatism beyond his years. Roy has considered online schooling and nighttime homework if elected, though legal experts note Vermont’s constitution may bar voters under 18.
Nearly all other states impose age limits, often 30, with Kansas raising its requirement to 25 after multiple teen candidates ran in 2018. Roy’s campaign follows Ethan Sonneborn’s 2018 Democratic primary bid, which ended in last place.