Youngest Gubernatorial Candidate in U.S. History

A 14-year-old boy is making history by campaigning to be governor, set to be the youngest candidate ever to be on a gubernatorial ballot in the United States.

Dean Roy, who identifies as a “born and raised Vermonter,” is taking his shot at politics. According to the Vermont state constitution, while candidates need to have lived in the state for four years prior to election day, there’s no age limit. This means that even someone as young as four could technically run for governor.

The high school freshman from Stowe has previously been involved in the Vermont State Legislature and even created his own “centrist” political party for the upcoming November election.

Running under the banner of the Liberty Union Party, he is joined in his efforts by Charles D. Bass, who is aiming for the lieutenant governor position.

The Freedom and Unity Party, which Dean founded in 2025, is described on its website as Vermont’s youngest and fastest-growing political party.

Roy’s interest in politics was sparked during his time as a page in the legislature when he was in eighth grade. He recalls his eighth-grade graduation, where a teacher even offered to manage his campaign if he ever decided to run for governor.

“I know it sounds crazy for a 14-year-old to be running for governor, but honestly, look at the people in charge right now. They’ve been doing this forever and things still aren’t going well,” he shared on social media.

He has shared his political views on X, Instagram, and TikTok, identifying his ideology as centrist.

“I call myself a centrist because I refuse to let any other ideology speak for me,” he stated in a March Instagram video. “I don’t ask, ‘What would a Republican do?’ or ‘What would a Democrat do?’ I focus on what would genuinely work for Vermont.”

In a post last July, he indicated his intentions to create a fairer and freer Vermont, proposing tax changes that would help lower property taxes for working families.

“By taxing short-term rentals and large corporations, we will lower property taxes and save working families up to 14%,” he explained.

He has also emphasized educational reforms, suggesting a reduction of over 100 school districts to just five, which he claims could save about $100 million.

“I support LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and rural traditions like farming and hunting,” he added in a separate post.

In another statement, he committed to eliminating foreign and corporate PAC funding while advocating for fiscal responsibility.

“I believe in allowing Vermonters to live how they want, no matter where they live or vote,” he said.

Current Vermont Governor Phil Scott acknowledged Roy’s enthusiasm for public service but raised doubts about his readiness for the position due to his youth.

“He believes it is important for our nation’s young people to be involved,” noted press secretary Amanda Wheeler. “However, the governor also feels that teenagers may not be best suited for this role, considering their limited experience.”

Roy’s former history teacher, James Carpenter, called him an “old soul,” noting his serious approach to his ambitions.

“He combines youthful optimism with a maturity that’s rare,” Carpenter remarked.

Despite all this, Roy recognizes the challenges ahead. He plans to balance his campaigning with his studies, considering online education options.

“I don’t necessarily think we’re going to win,” he mentioned. “But I hope that this movement will inspire more young people to step up and say they want to make a difference, too.”

Ultimately, he expresses a hope that career politicians will see him as a potential disruptor. “If I can get them to think I’m a threat, that’s a win for me. It’s about demonstrating that youth has a voice. The future is now.”