13-Year-Old Finds Loophole In Law; Now He's Running For Governor

BRISTOL, VT – A loophole in Vermont's law has allowed a Bristol 13-year-old to run for governor. Ethan Sonneborn, an eight-grader at Mt. Abraham Union Middle/High School, seeks the Democratic nomination in the state's August primary and is currently slated to face two challengers.

Sonneborn's campaign, which launched in August, is centered around bringing stricter gun control to the state and shaking things up. He told CNN he knows hunting is an important part of the state's culture, but insisted that if he was to choose between his friends having a "good time" at the firing range and having them shot in school, he would choose legislation that protects them from the latter.

"I wish it didn't take a tragedy for us to become involved in a national dialogue about how we move forward, but we can't go back in time and make it that Parkland didn't happen," he told the news outlet. "And while we're in this moment, I think it's a good opportunity to make change."

Last year he learned that the state has no age limit on who can seek state office. He said he was frustrated by the "politics as usual" culture and was "ready to fight for progressive change."

"I understood then and understand now that we must focus not on partisan squabbling but on moving forward," he said. "We need practical progressivism and a dedication to a stronger tomorrow for all our children."

Sonneborn, who describes himself as a progressive populist, recently applied for an endorsement from the group Democracy for America.

Conor Casey, executive director of the state’s Democratic Party, lauded Ethan for taking a firm stance on gun control.

"Ethan really did embrace the gun issue early on,” he told CNN. “He's representing younger people and he's been a good voice for them."

Vermont's secretary of state told CNN they'll probably talk about creating a minimum age requirement for gubernatorial candidates in the next year. He said Sonneborn's biggest hurdle might just be getting to work, if he's elected — he doesn't have a driver's license.

Here's where Sonneborn stands on several issues:

Health care

I support Universal Healthcare. No Vermonter or American should die because they cannot afford health insurance. I'm a proud backer of Sen. Bernie Sanders' Medicare for All legislation.

Education

As a ward of the public education system, I understand what we do well in Vermont and where we need improvement. We should be spending less on administrative bureaucracy and more on teachers and students.

Economy

I believe in sustainable economic growth. As governor I would give tax benefits to small businesses, introduce a worker's bill of rights, advocate for a higher minimum wage, and propose a bipartisan job creation plan to the legislature.

LGBT Rights

I am a strong ally of the LGBT community. As governor I would support employment discrimination legislation and would commit never to support a candidate who couldn't back this common sense issue.

Environment

As a young person, I have a vested interest in the future of our planet. I'm pushing for a carbon emissions tax, a commitment by Vermont to uphold the standards of the Paris Climate Accord, and incentives for developing and using renewable energy.

Infrastructure

Rebuild crumbling infrastructure to make Vermonters safer.

Abortion

While no one loves the concept of abortion, I believe it's not up to the government to decide for any woman.

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