In an unprecedented political move in Vermont, Dean Roy, a 14-year-old high school freshman, has announced his candidacy for the state's governorship. Despite his youth and inexperience, Roy's campaign is challenging conventional political norms and igniting conversations about youth involvement in politics.
Dean Roy, currently attending Stowe Middle and High School, has taken advantage of Vermont's unique lack of age requirements for gubernatorial candidates to launch his bid for office. Accompanied by his classmate and running mate, Charlie Bass, who is vying for lieutenant governor, Roy is nearing the completion of collecting the 500 signatures needed to secure a spot on the ballot.
Roy's decision to run for governor began humorously as an eighth-grade graduation jest but quickly evolved into a serious endeavor. After researching the legal feasibility, Roy formed the Freedom and Unity Party, distancing himself from traditional party lines. He criticizes the Vermont Democrats for leaning too far left and national Republicans for swaying too far right, prompting his decision to establish a new political entity.
The cornerstone of Roy's platform is a focus on affordable housing, which he identifies as a critical issue for Vermont, New England, and the nation. He proposes constructing homes that are economically accessible, targeting a price point of $150,000 or less to attract young workers and families, thus addressing Vermont's demographic challenges and economic sustainability concerns.
Amidst Vermont's aging demographics, with a median age of 43 and an octogenarian Senator Bernie Sanders, Roy's campaign positions him as a fresh face in opposition to what he calls "elder rule politics." Beyond housing, his platform includes opposition to electric vehicle mandates, school system restructuring, and advocating for what he terms "common-sense economic reform."
Despite his age, Roy has shown political maturity by engaging with constituents through door-knocking, sharing his views on Instagram, and conversing with voters at local gathering spots. The response, he reports, has been encouragingly positive.
Legally, Roy's campaign checks all the boxes. After consulting with Vermont's Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, he confirmed that the requirements are straightforward: four years of residency in Vermont, 500 signatures, and timely filing of candidacy papers—all of which he satisfies.
If successful in his electoral bid, Roy intends to complete his high school education online while fulfilling gubernatorial duties. His campaign, supported logistically by his parents who own a local pizza shop, remains primarily self-driven.
While Roy acknowledges his campaign as primarily a learning experience and sets a modest goal of garnering at least 1,000 votes, his entry into the political arena represents a significant moment in Vermont's history. Whether or not he wins, Roy's candidacy is a testament to the power of civic engagement at any age.
