You’d think you need a college degree, a mortgage, and maybe some grey hair to run for high office. In most states, you do. But Vermont is different. Thanks to a quirky loophole in the state constitution, 14-year-olds are making it onto the ballot and they aren't just doing it for the "clout."
Most people think of 14-year-olds as being preoccupied with Algebra I or their TikTok feeds. Ethan Sonneborn smashed that stereotype back in 2018 when he realized that Vermont’s founders basically forgot to set a minimum age for the governorship. All you need is to have lived in the state for four years. If you've been around since the fourth grade, you're technically eligible.
The Loophole That Made History
The Vermont Constitution is a fascinating document because of what it doesn't say. While most states require a governor to be at least 30 years old, Vermont only asks for residency. This isn't just a fun fact; it's a window into a different philosophy of government where the barrier to entry is meant to be low.
When Sonneborn ran, he wasn't a joke candidate. He showed up to debates in a suit, talked about healthcare and environmental policy, and held his own against seasoned politicians. He eventually lost the Democratic primary, coming in fourth with about 600 votes, but he proved a point. The system is open if you're brave enough to step into it.
The momentum didn't stop with him. In 2026, we're seeing this play out again with Dean Roy. Roy, another 14-year-old, took it a step further by actually securing a spot on the general election ballot through his own "Freedom and Unity" party. He isn't just running in a primary; he's a legitimate choice for every voter in the state this November.
Why Young Candidates Actually Matter
It’s easy to dismiss a freshman in high school as "unqualified." They can't drive. They can't buy a beer. They can't even vote for themselves. But if you look at why these kids are running, it’s usually born out of a deep-seated frustration that adults are failing to solve long-term problems.
- Gun Control: Sonneborn was heavily motivated by the Parkland shooting. He realized that the people making the laws weren't the ones hiding under desks during active shooter drills.
- Climate Change: Teens today are looking at a 50-year horizon that looks pretty bleak. They feel a sense of urgency that a 60-year-old politician might not share.
- Housing and Education: Dean Roy has been vocal about the housing crisis in Vermont. When a 14-year-old realizes their teachers can't afford to live in the town where they work, they start asking questions that incumbents don't always want to answer.
The Pushback and the Law
Not everyone is thrilled about kids in the statehouse. Governor Phil Scott, who has faced these young challengers, has been polite but firm. He's suggested that maybe you should at least be able to get a driver’s license before you run a state.
Legislators have tried to "fix" this. There have been several attempts to introduce bills requiring candidates to be registered voters (which would effectively set the age at 18). So far, these haven't gained enough traction to pass. Some argue that the current system is a beautiful example of pure democracy. If the voters think a 14-year-old is the best person for the job, shouldn't they have the right to choose them?
Practical Realities of a Teen Campaign
Running for governor isn't just about giving speeches. It’s a logistical nightmare, especially if you have a curfew.
- Fundraising: Most donors are skeptical of giving money to someone who doesn't have a bank account. Sonneborn raised around $1,700—a drop in the bucket compared to the hundreds of thousands his opponents spent.
- Scheduling: You have to balance campaign stops with homework. Dean Roy has mentioned he plans to do his homework at night and potentially take online classes if he's elected.
- Credibility: You spend half your time proving you aren't a "gimmick." You have to know your policy better than the adults just to get them to stop patting you on the head and start listening to your ideas.
If you’re a young person looking to get involved, you don't have to run for governor to make an impact. Start by looking at your local school board or town selectboard. These positions often have lower barriers to entry and direct impact on your daily life.
Check your local state statutes. You might find that your town allows residents as young as 16 to serve on certain committees. If you want to see how the sausage is made, apply for a legislative page program like Dean Roy did. It’s the best way to see if you actually like the grind of politics before you put your name on a ballot. Don't wait for permission to care about your community. The adults don't have all the answers, and sometimes it takes a 14-year-old to point that out.
