For Students: Running for Office

Do you want to be your state’s Kid Governor? Are you ready to run for office and make a difference in your community and state? Check below to see if you are eligible to run for Kid Governor!

  • Is there a Kid Governor program in your state?
  • Are you a 5th-grade student?

If you answered “yes” to both of these questions, then you are eligible to run for Kid Governor of your state! Talk to your teacher to figure out how your school or home-school group can participate.

If you answered “no” to one of these questions, don’t worry! You can still make a difference in your community. Please visit our Student Action Resource Center to get tips on how to make an impact on an issue you care about. And if you’re interested in bringing the Kid Governor program to your state, please visit our “Bring Kid Governor to Your State!” page to learn more.


What does the Kid Governor do?

Students who are elected to be their state’s Kid Governor serve a one-year term of leadership, working to make a difference around their chosen community issue.

of office working on their community issues. They create videos, write blog posts, meet with constituents, and much more to spread awareness about their community issue and work to make a change. Below are some examples of some of the things past Kid Governors have done during their terms in office.

Get Inspired: Watch Kid Governors & Cabinet Members in Action!

Five past Connecticut’s Kid Governors speak with Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz.
Two of Oregon’s past Kid Governors testify before a House of Representatives Committee.
2023 Oklahoma’s Kid Governor Mila O’Brien talks with a school counselor about youth mental health
2021 New Hampshire’s Kid Governor Charlie Olsen speaks with CBS Boston about his election.
Cabinet Members Elizabeth, Samantha, and Satvik created a video with easy ways to help the environment.
2023 Connecticut’s Kid Governor Ellie Mendez speaks with NBC Nightly News’ Lester Holt about her platform.
2018 Oregon’s Kid Governor Dom Peters was interviewed shortly after his inauguration.
2022 New Hampshire’s Kid Governor Charlotte Cotti’s Inaugural Address.
2023 Connecticut’s Kid Governor Makhi Ettienne-Modeste and his Cabinet participated in a panel discussion at 2022 Kids Convention.