AT just 18 years old, Gabriel Raimondo has made history by becoming Jersey’s youngest-ever States Member.
He is also believed to be one of the youngest elected politicians in the world.
After being officially sworn in as one of St Brelade’s new Deputies, Gabriel said he is excited to get started – but admits it has been a very busy few months.
He had only recently finished his A-level studies before spending weeks campaigning. During the election, he knocked on 3,623 doors to speak to voters.
“I knew I’d tried my best,” he said.
The election attracted attention far beyond Jersey, with news organisations from the UK and other countries wanting to hear about his achievement.
Gabriel believes his election sends an important message.
“It shows Jersey is progressive and that people want to see a change in our future,” he said.
Being a Deputy means helping to make decisions about how Jersey is run. Gabriel says he knows there is a lot to learn.
“My goal for the next four years is to be a sponge in the Assembly, to listen and to take in as much information as I can,” he said.
He wants to learn from more experienced politicians while working hard to represent the people who voted for him.
The campaign was not always easy. Gabriel says he faced online rumours, abusive comments and even had some of his election posters damaged.
Despite that, he says he tried to stay respectful and keep going.
Now that the election is over, he hopes people will judge him by the work he does in the States Assembly rather than by rumours shared online.
Although he has become one of Jersey’s best-known young politicians, Gabriel says he wants to stay grounded.
“You have to keep your ego in check,” he said.
“I never want to not be humble, because I’m just like anybody else.”
After a busy start, he is looking forward to settling into his new role properly after the summer holidays.
