At 14, young Dean Roy, originally from the state of Vermont in the United States, has become the youngest candidate for governor in the region’s history. He officially announced his candidacy for the November elections, although he does not necessarily expect to win.
Interviewed by the Associated Press, he mainly expresses a desire to “start the movement” and encourage American youth to get involved in politics. To challenge the American bipartisanship, Dean Roy has decided to create his own party called “Freedom and Unity”, which ensures him a place in the election.
Very critical of politicians
“I know it may seem crazy that a 14-year-old is running for governor, but honestly, look at those who are in charge right now,” Roy declared in a message posted on his campaign’s Instagram page. “It’s been an eternity that they’ve been in power, and it still doesn’t work.”
Strangely, nothing prevents a minor from running for governor in Vermont, and the reason this case is making headlines across the Atlantic is because it is the only American state where there are no age limits. Most states require candidates to be at least 30 years old, but not all.
Those who left the door open to youth often closed it very quickly to avoid “joke” candidacies. In Kansas, legislators introduced a provision in 2018 requiring candidates for governor to be at least 25 years old after six teenagers ran for office.
Even though he is not currently taken seriously by other candidates, Dean Roy has made the effort to work on his platform and believes that the biggest issue affecting his fellow citizens is housing and the cost of living.
Our file on the United States
“If I can make people believe that I represent a threat to them, then I will know that I have succeeded,” he concludes. “Because what I want is to show them that young people have a say. We are going to make things happen. The future is now.”
