14-Year-Old's SHOCKING Plan to Overthrow Vermont's Governor: Will He Succeed or Fail Miserably?

In a remarkable move that defies traditional standards, 14-year-old Dean Roy has set his sights on the Vermont governor's mansion, positioning himself to become the youngest candidate for governor in the state's history. Having only turned his political ambitions on last year, when he served as a legislative page at the Vermont Statehouse, Roy is determined to make his voice heard in the upcoming general election this November.

“I don't expect necessarily to win,” he said candidly during an interview, “What I do expect is to start the movement, and get more young people to come in behind me and say, ‘Yeah, we also want to make change.’” His commitment to inspiring youth involvement in politics is palpable, as he aims to attract fellow teenagers to engage in serious discussions about governance and societal challenges.

Interestingly, Dean isn’t the first young person to pursue the state's top job; Ethan Sonneborn, another eighth-grader, attempted to secure the Democratic nomination for governor in 2018 but finished last in a primary race with four candidates. What sets Roy apart is that he has created his own third party, the Freedom and Unity Party, securing his place on the general election ballot. Vermont is unique in that it imposes no minimum age for gubernatorial candidates, requiring only that they have resided in the state for four years.

“I know it sounds crazy, a 14-year-old running for governor, but honestly, look at the people in charge right now,” Roy shared in a post on his campaign’s Instagram page. His assertion highlights the growing disillusionment among younger generations with established politicians, noting that “They’ve been doing this forever and things still aren’t working.” This sentiment resonates strongly in a political climate where many feel disconnected from their leaders.

While most states, including Kansas, have set minimum age requirements—often around 30—Vermont's constitution opens the door for younger candidates. In fact, some states have moved to enforce stricter regulations following instances such as the 2018 race in Kansas, which saw six teenagers attempt to run for office.

Professor Peter Teachout of Vermont Law and Graduate School offers a critical perspective on the state's constitution. He emphasizes that while the law permits youth to run, there are underlying sections that require candidates to be “entitled to the privileges of a voter,” which includes being at least 18 years old. Despite this, he concedes that the political landscape in Vermont is unlikely to support a young candidate like Roy. “In theory, a 4-year-old could run for governor. Should we be worried about it? No,” Teachout stated, highlighting the uniquely provocative nature of Vermont's political culture.

However, some educators see value in Roy’s audacious bid. James Carpenter, Roy's former history teacher, remarked on the teenager’s earnestness and maturity, describing him as an “old soul” with a profound curiosity about the world. “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,” Carpenter explained. “I think he blends that youthful optimism with some pragmatism that few kids have.”

Roy himself has identified housing as the most pressing issue facing Vermont today. His approach to juggling the responsibilities of being a high school student and a potential governor is both practical and ambitious; he has suggested that he might pursue online classes and complete his schoolwork during the evenings after fulfilling the duties of his office.

The current governor, Phil Scott, has expressed admiration for Roy’s enthusiasm but questions whether a teenager can truly grasp the weighty responsibilities that come with running a state. “He believes it’s important for our youth to get involved,” said Amanda Wheeler, press secretary for Scott. “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.”

In stark contrast, Roy argues that age should not be a determining factor in a candidate's suitability for office. “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 declared. His ultimate goal is to empower young voters and others who feel marginalized in the political process. “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.”

As Dean Roy prepares to make history this November, his campaign serves as a clarion call for younger generations to engage in politics and advocate for issues that matter to them. His story illustrates not only the evolving landscape of American political candidacy but also the urgent need for diverse voices in governance—especially those of the youth, who will ultimately inherit the consequences of today's decisions.