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A 14-year-old running for governor is the first teen to get on Vermont’s general election ballot
Dean Roy formed the Freedom and Unity Party to run for Vermont governor, aiming to boost youth political engagement and spotlight housing issues, despite skepticism about his age.
- Dean Roy, a 14-year-old freshman at Stowe High School, will become the first candidate under 18 to appear on Vermont's gubernatorial ballot in November after creating the Freedom and Unity party to secure a ballot spot.
- Political ambitions sparked in eighth grade intensified after Roy worked as a legislative page at the Vermont Statehouse, prompting him to enter the race despite posting on Instagram: "I know it sounds crazy, a 14-year-old running for governor."
- James Carpenter, Roy's former history teacher, described him as an "old soul with endless curiosity," emphasizing "there's no gimmick behind this." Roy prioritizes housing as Vermont's key issue and plans to balance school with the governor's job through online classes.
- Governor Phil Scott acknowledged Roy's political interest but questioned whether someone so young possesses the experience for executive duties, while Roy aims to prove youth can "disrupt" politics and mobilize younger voters to support change.
- Vermont stands alone in imposing no minimum age for governor—theoretically allowing even a 4-year-old to run—contrasting sharply with nearly all other states, which typically require candidates be at least 25 or 30 years old; Kansas enacted a 25-year minimum in 2018 after six teenagers ran.
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14-year-old set to become youngest gubernatorial candidate on Vermont after founding his own political party
A 14-year-old has launched his campaign for the governor and is set to become the youngest candidate to appear on a gubernatorial ballot in American history.
·San Diego, United States
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Vermont Teen Becomes First Under-18 Candidate on Governor Ballot
STOWE, VERMONT — A 14-year-old high school student has qualified for Vermont’s gubernatorial ballot, becoming the first under-18 candidate to reach the general election in the state. Dean Roy, a freshman at Stowe High School, secured his spot by forming the Freedom and Unity party. Vermont’s constitution does not set a minimum age requirement for governor, allowing his candidacy as long as residency rules are met. Roy said his goal is not necess…
·Greensboro, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources88
Leaning Left14Leaning Right6Center62Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Center
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources are Center
76% Center
L 17%
C 76%
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