18-Year-Old Ben Nguyen Makes History as Ohio’s Youngest Elected Official

18-year-old Benjamin ‘Ben’ Nguyen made history as Ohio’s youngest and first South Vietnamese American elected official.

Sworn in on December 15 to the Lakota School Board, he will now serve the district he just graduated from, representing a milestone for youth and cultural representation.

Nguyen’s family story shaped his journey. His grandfather fled during the Fall of Saigon with just $2 in his pocket.

From those struggles, his family built a new life in the U.S., teaching him perseverance, civic duty, and the importance of serving his community.

A student at Miami University studying finance, Nguyen won one of three open seats last November against five candidates.

Garnering over 18 percent of the vote, he will serve as the board’s sole conservative, bringing a fresh, Gen-Z perspective to local education policy.

During his swearing-in, family, friends, and local officials celebrated Nguyen’s historic achievement.

Nguyen aims to ensure students are equipped for the future while balancing his responsibilities as a full-time college student.

Nguyen ran on first-hand experience, opposing the district’s tax levy and promising to deliver practical solutions for students and families.

“I’m going to deliver on my goals and really prove that Gen-Z is here to stay. We’re not just the future, we’re the here and now. We want a seat at the table.”