Not yet out of high school and already running for a seat on the St. Lawrence County legislature. As our Sarah Hagen tells us, an 18-year-old Canton High School senior is hitting the campaign trail after announcing his candidacy Monday.

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While many may simply see Matt Flynn II as a local high school senior, he sees himself as a serious candidate in the St. Lawrence County Republican Primary.

St. Lawrence County Legislature Republican Candidate Matthew Flynn II said, "I think I have the skills and passion necessary to excel as a legislator."

The Canton teen says he can get past the challenge of being inexperienced.

He said, "I don't have an extensive resume with years of experience. I have lived in this county long enough to know we need change."

This young republican says some of his political platform was built by visiting his grandfather's local barber shop.

Flynn said, "The one good thing about barber shops is you get to see an uncensored form of public consensus and you can hear how the people think."

Flynn plans to attend Clarkson University in the fall, but doesn't foresee a problem with balancing the workload.

Flynn said, "There are legislators on the board that have full time jobs and I plan on doing something similar."

The current legislator, Democrat Tedra Cobb, is not seeking re-election. Flynn will face off against Republican Kevin Acres in the primary.

St. Lawrence County Legislature Republican Candidate Kevin Acres said, "He is the same age as my youngest son and if I was his father, I would be very proud of him."

Acres says he'll be focusing on the issues and not his opponent's age.

Acres said, "The biggest thing we need here is, we need less spending and with less pending we can lower our taxes."

Flynn's campaign has somewhat of a similar platform.

"Small businesses and jobs and going along with that is fiscal sensibility," said Flynn.

Flynn hopes to make it to the November ballot and help the Republicans pickup a seat in the legislature.

Democrats currently hold the majority, with a ten to five ratio. All fifteen seats are up for grabs in the upcoming election.