At just 15 years old, Dean Roy is mounting an unconventional campaign for governor in Vermont this November, positioning himself as an advocate for youth engagement and fresh perspectives in state politics. Though ineligible to vote or legally consume alcohol, Roy has successfully qualified to appear on the ballot under a self-created party, the Freedom and Unity Party, after gathering the required 500 signatures from registered Vermont voters.

A rising sophomore from Stowe, a small ski town in northern Vermont, Roy said his main objective is to amplify the voices of young people, who he believes are frequently overlooked by traditional political leaders. “The goal here is to make enough of an impact that the leaders have to start paying attention to the youth voice,” he said.

Roy’s campaign is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing political involvement among younger generations, with older members of Generation Z already securing seats in state legislatures and Congress. Younger Gen Z and early Generation Alpha candidates like Roy bring a distinct outlook shaped by a combination of online political discourse and frustration over issues such as housing affordability, climate change, and workforce challenges.

Despite a modest showing in recent polls—the University of New Hampshire placed him at 3 percent support over the summer—Roy acknowledges that he faces a dominant incumbent. Governor Phil Scott, a moderate Republican known for high approval ratings, is widely favored to win re-election in the state’s 645,000-person electorate.

Roy’s platform mixes pragmatic ideas with concerns specific to his generation. He advocates for expanding nuclear power as a strategy to combat climate change, loosening restrictive housing permits to ease shortages, and protecting online privacy for minors by opposing government-mandated social media bans. He also supports policies across the political spectrum; for example, he applauded former President Donald Trump’s suggestion to import Japanese micro Kei cars, emphasizing their suitability for Vermont’s flat terrain and low-driving-population areas.

Having spent seven weeks shadowing lawmakers at the Vermont Statehouse last year, Roy’s understanding of the political system remains in development, but his commitment is clear. His parents, who vote Democratic but encourage moderate views, have supported his efforts as a constructive summer project. His mother, Chessie Roy, described him as determined: “When he comes up with an idea, he does it.”

Roy shares campaign updates and political commentary with roughly 6,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, where he presents a blend of local policy critiques and broader national discussions on governance. His posts reflect a belief in crossing partisan divides, a sentiment echoed by peers who see value in breaking binary political identities amid increasing polarization.

Looking beyond the election, Roy remains uncertain about his future, acknowledging that college may be a stepping stone to varied opportunities. “I still, technically, have no idea,” he said.

While his current campaign is unlikely to unseat an established governor, it underscores a rising trend of youth engagement in American politics and signals the emergence of a new generation eager to shape policy discussions on their own terms.