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

Jake Denniston, a recent high school graduate, ran for Campton City Council in 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 gap year between high school and college to gain real-world experience running for local office.

“I thought, ‘What better experience to get in politics than to run for office and try to go out and see what people are really like instead of learning it from a textbook,’” Denniston said.

Denniston’s campaign proved successful as he became vice mayor-elect of his hometown. He received the highest number of votes among 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 are coming for you. If you deserve the job, you will get it.

Former Denniston High School principal Greg Creech said he always worked hard and loved politics.

“Jake was one of those students who always worked really hard to improve. He was always very outspoken,” Creech said. “Still in Frankfort, I still talk to legislators, I still talk to community leaders, I still talk to state leaders. He was very frank. He really liked politics.

Looking ahead, Denniston doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.

“I have no personal boundaries for myself. I would like to go as far as possible and do as much good for people as possible. But it depends on them, it doesn’t depend on me. But I have no limits. I love politics and would love to make any office possible,” Denniston said.

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