‘If you deserve the job, you’ll get it’: 18-year-old becomes vice mayor-elect

CAMPTON, Ky. ( WYMT /Gray News) - An 18-year-old with a passion for politics decided to run for local government in his hometown.

Jake Denniston, a recent high school graduate, ran for Campton City Council this election. He won the seat, garnering the most votes, making him the vice mayor-elect.

After graduating from Wolfe County High School in May, he decided to take a year off between high school and college, to gain real-world experience by running for local government.

"I thought, 'What better experience to gain in politics than running for office and trying to get out there and see how people really are instead of learning it from a textbook,'" Denniston said.

Denniston's campaign proved a success, as he became the vice mayor-elect of his hometown. He received the most votes out of the candidates running for City Council. Denniston said he is honored to serve his community in this new way.

"That's what I call it, it's a job interview," Denniston said. "People show up for you. If you deserve the job, you'll get it."

Denniston's former high school principal, Greg Creech, said he has always been hard-working with a love for politics.

"Jake was one of those students who was always working very hard to do better for himself. He was always very outspoken.," Creech said. "Always in Frankfort talking to legislators, always talking to leaders in the community, always talking to leaders in the state. He was very outspoken. He enjoyed politics very much."

In terms of the future, Denniston does not plan on stopping anytime soon.

"I have no personal limit for myself. I'd like to go as far as I can and do as much good for people as I can. But that's up to them, that's not up to me. But I have no limit. I love politics and would love to make it any office possible," Denniston said.