HS Freshman Makes Ballot in Vermont Governor Race

For Dean Roy, class president just wouldn’t do. He had higher aspirations. The 14-year-old high school freshman will be the first candidate for governor under age 18 to appear on the state’s general election ballot. His…

Sandra RhodesMar 27, 20263 min read

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James Carpenter, Roy’s former history teacher, said it’s great that Roy is giving it his all. Carpenter describes Roy as an “old soul” with endless curiosity.

“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,” he said. “I think he blends that youthful optimism with some pragmatism that few kids have.”

Roy said he doesn’t identify with either major party. He added housing is the most important issue facing the state.

If he wins, he’d consider online classes and would do his homework at night after work as Governor.

The current Governor, Republican Phil Scott, applauds Roy’s interest in Politics and public service.

But there is the question of whether someone so young is ready for the responsibilities that come with running a state.

“He believes it’s important for our youth to get involved,” said press secretary Amanda Wheeler. “But 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.”

Roy disagrees his age is a factor.

“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.”