15-Year-Old to Run for Vermont Governor
Dean Roy of Stowe is launching a gubernatorial bid under the Freedom and Unity Party banner.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Elections
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Stowe resident Dean Roy is filing his candidacy for the Vermont gubernatorial race ahead of the November 3, 2026, election. At 15 years old, Roy is running as a member of the Freedom and Unity Party.
Why it matters
The candidacy highlights a lack of age requirements for the office of governor in Vermont state law. Roy, who does not expect to win, stated he was inspired to run by his eighth grade history teacher.
Dean Roy is 15 years old and is running as a Freedom and Unity Party candidate. Vermont state law currently does not mandate a minimum age requirement for the gubernatorial position.
The players
Dean Roy
He is a 15-year-old resident of Stowe who is running for Vermont governor as a candidate for the Freedom and Unity Party.
The details
Roy, who created the Freedom and Unity Party, advocates for the return of nuclear energy to the state and increased taxes on second homes. He also opposes the use of Flock cameras and intends for his party to continue operating after the campaign concludes.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Election Day.
Political Context
Opponents of such candidacies often argue that gubernatorial offices require life experience and maturity levels that are typically associated with adulthood. Critics may point to the need for formal age floors to ensure that elected executives are prepared for the significant administrative burdens of the state.
The candidacy brings the state's election laws into sharper focus for Vermont residents ahead of the November vote. Voters may see changes to how minor party ballot access and constitutional eligibility requirements are discussed in future legislative sessions.
The takeaway
Roy represents a rare instance of a high school student utilizing existing legal loopholes to enter a gubernatorial race. His campaign serves as a practical demonstration of how specific state laws can shape the diversity of candidates on a ballot.
Further reading
For more on the current race, visit Vermont elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My NBC5.
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