During a sun-drenched California beach gathering, high school juniors rally behind two contenders for student body president. Bobby DeVito, Bruno Kirby, runs the campaign for Grant Michelson and keeps a keen eye on his rival, Christine Alexander, Lee Purcell, who is seen cuddling with her new boyfriend—the senior class president, Kevin Hawkins, Tim Matheson.
Donna, Bobby's sister, Donna Wilkes admires a lesser-known junior named Darryl Fitzgerald, John Friedrich who has a crush on Christine. The next day, Bobby and his friend Dean Hampton, Thomas Carter, discover that Christine had Grant suspended and is running uncontested. With only two weeks until the vote, Bobby and Dean desperately seek a replacement candidate due to their substantial bets against Christine.
While working in the attendance office, Bobby encounters Darryl, who comes in late and needs a note. Bobby sees Darryl's anonymity as an opportunity to challenge Christine. Despite initial resistance, Darryl is convinced when Bobby highlights that running for office is a way to gain attention from popular girls like Christine.
Minutes later, at the school assembly introducing the candidates, Darryl delivers a speech, making a positive impression on his classmates. Later that day, Christine and Kevin argue about their future plans after Kevin fails to secure a college football scholarship. Donna, meanwhile, excitedly plans for the senior prom, anticipating Darryl's victory.
Bobby guides Darryl through campaign preparations, turning him into a skilled candidate. During a hangout, Bobby informs Darryl about Donna's feelings, but Darryl is hesitant due to her involvement in his campaign, confessing he likes Christine.
Dean faces relationship issues with his aspiring singer girlfriend, Nicole, who goes on a date with a record producer. Christine challenges Darryl to a debate, accusing him of being Bobby's puppet. Donna overhears and confronts Bobby, who admits revealing her feelings to Darryl. Enraged, Donna throws food at Bobby, sparking a cafeteria food fight. Despite disagreements, Darryl accepts Christine's debate challenge.
Bobby insists Darryl can't beat Christine, but Darryl asserts his independence. At the debate, Dean interrupts, reporting police on campus arresting Duane Jackson. Darryl intervenes, quoting California law and exposing the illegal search. On election day, Donna questions Darryl's motives. Bobby and Christine call a truce, reminiscing about their past.
Darryl wins the election, but Donna declines his prom invitation, sensing a change in him. Darryl later apologizes to Bobby, who reveals the staged police bust. Darryl admits the truth to his classmates, declines the presidency, and leaves, unaware they support him. Donna visits Darryl, dressed for prom, and insists they go, as the students appreciate his honesty.
At the prom, Darryl is touched by classmates' support, Dean reunites with Nicole, and Bobby and Christine share a kiss.
