5 days ago
Chehalis teen officially announces candidacy for governor
Jul. 18—In American politics, being older and more experienced is often an advantage, with older politicians often edging out the younger competition. One young man from Chehalis sees things differently.
Ethan Brunton, 15, officially announced his candidacy to be the next governor of Washington on Wednesday, July 16. For the event, Brunton gave a short speech in the conference room of the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library where he pitched himself as young, bold and "grounded in truth."
During the speech, he first addressed his age. While the young political hopeful is not yet eligible to take up residence in the Governor's Mansion, he will turn 18 just in time for the 2028 election. He said he sees his youth as an asset, noting his energy and disconnection from mainstream political establishments.
"I'm done waiting for change, so I'm stepping up," Brunton said. "Age doesn't define leadership; conviction does."
Brunton outlined his political platform, focusing his talking points on public safety, education and financial accountability and promising to fully fund the police, roll back government regulation and fight and advocate for the everyday worker and family.
Brunton delivered his speech with vigor and passion and made sure to give the event an air of patriotism, flying an American flag and asking attendees — which included just two Chronicle journalists — to stand for the national anthem to start off the event.
Brunton faces a few major obstacles as a gubernatorial candidate, with possibly the most significant being his age. While what he says about energy and new ideas stemming from his youth may be true, his young age also means he cannot yet accept campaign donations or participate in local elections as an active voter.
Brunton has also yet to develop a local following.
Brunton's campaign announcement comes early enough in the political cycle to give him plenty of time to keep working at it. The political hopeful has three years still to hone his skills, build his following and decide exactly what he plans to offer Washington state as a candidate for governor.
