Gabriel Raimondo has been elected as a Deputy for St Brelade, becoming the youngest politician ever to take office in Jersey at just 18 years old. Raimondo, who turned 18 shortly before the election, said he was "absolutely ecstatic" about the outcome.
Running under the Value Jersey movement, his campaign centered on tackling the high cost of living on the island. He finished third in St Brelade, behind Jonathan Renouf and Montfort Tadier.
During his campaign, Raimondo warned that the island was "driving people away" and noted that he had seen friends "leaving for university, unsure that they will come back." He described the cost of living as the most pressing issue facing residents and adopted policies proposed by Value Jersey.
After the results were announced, he posted on social media: "I am feeling absolutely ecstatic. The most amazing night with nothing but good news." He thanked voters in St Brelade for "putting their trust in him."
He added: "I won't stop the hard work and will show you that it wasn't just an 18-year-old you voted for, but a better future for this island. The real work starts now."
Raimondo now holds the record for the youngest first-time States member, surpassing Jeremy Maçon, who was 21 when first elected in 2008.
Before entering politics, Raimondo was studying for his A-levels, which he reportedly postponed to focus on his campaign. He actively used social media to connect with voters and also spoke about experiencing online abuse during the election period.
In his pitch to voters, he emphasized the need for a "young voice in the assembly" and pledged to "work with members to get things done... and make the island a better place."