Conservative politicians are failing to recognize the significance of the youth vote, which could have disastrous consequences for their success in future elections. While it’s true that young people tend to lean left politically, assuming that the next generation is a homogenous progressive voting bloc is a flawed strategy that is bound to backfire. By 2028, half of all eligible voters will be Gen Zers or millennials, making it crucial for conservatives to appeal to this demographic.
Despite the fact that two-thirds of young voters supported Democratic candidates in the 2020 elections, there is room for conservatives to make inroads. Millennials, for example, are shifting towards conservative values as they age, with President Biden’s 2020 margin shrinking to just half of Obama’s in 2008. Surprisingly, Gen Z, the generation that experienced the most significant drop in approval ratings for President Biden, consists of a large portion of registered Republicans and Independents who are eagerly looking for politicians who will earn their votes.
It’s not surprising that many young people feel politically homeless. Growing up in an era of extreme partisanship, they have been forced to choose between what often feels like the “lesser of two evils” in each election. Both major parties are to blame for this lack of appealing options. The majority of Gen Z voters identify as independents and have an “earn my vote” mindset.
On the left, there is a tendency to pander to youth-centric issues such as student loans, affordable housing, climate change, and gender identity. Conversely, the right seems to ignore these issues, missing an opportunity to engage young voters. Conservatives should consider framing economic and inflation issues in terms of helping young people make their first down payment on a house, positioning tax cuts as a means to secure a future family’s financial stability, promoting financial literacy to guide Gen Z through the impending wealth transfer, and adopting a “live and let live” stance on social issues. Additionally, Republicans could focus on fighting zoning laws that contribute to unaffordable housing, particularly for young individuals who often earn lower incomes and struggle to afford rent.
Even on the topic of student loan forgiveness, which has been championed by the left, conservatives could campaign on promising meaningful education financing reform to ensure that future students do not face the same challenges as current borrowers. These issues align with conservative values and present an opportunity for Republicans to appeal to young voters.
It is essential for Republicans to recognize that by 2028, the majority of eligible voters will be from the Gen Z and millennial generations. Winning a general election will require the support of a significant portion of young voters. One candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, has understood this reality and has made efforts to engage millennials and Gen Zers in his campaign. Despite initially alienating some of these voters by advocating for raising the voting age, Ramaswamy acknowledges the power of the youth vote. He understands that bringing young voters on board is key to achieving a landslide victory.
Ramaswamy’s age, at just 37, likely contributes to his ability to resonate with younger voters. Recent polls show him outperforming even prominent Republican figures like DeSantis among millennials and Gen Zers. In an interview, Ramaswamy stressed the importance of including young people and providing them with a vision for the future in his campaign strategy. Other politicians would be wise to adopt a similar approach, as engaging young voters will undoubtedly benefit them in the long run.
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