The Gen Z Wave

New Kids on the (Voting) Block: Across the country, Gen Z — the most diverse voting group in US history — turned out in droves for Tuesday’s midterms. It’s part of a larger trend.

The Story

In some states (see: Michigan, Texas) lines to vote on college campuses were hours long. About 27% of voters 18-29 cast a ballot this election cycle, according to one report. That’s the second-highest turnout among the under-30 crowd in 30 years (and, oh wait, Gen Z also set the first-highest turnout record back in 2018). That might not seem like a lot — but, worth noting, youth voter turnout has historically hovered around 20% during midterms. And it’s only going to grow. Between 2016 (when their generation was first eligible to vote) and 2020, Gen Z has reportedly upped their raw vote total by 289%. That’s having an effect. 

How do they vote?

Mostly blue. Democratic presidential candidates have won over youth in recent election cycles. The trend also extends to Congress. Now, people 18-29 are the only group in the US in which a strong majority (think: 63%) supports Democrats, according to exit polls. That’s not surprising, since some say that former President Donald Trump has split young Republican voters — particularly those who believe in limited government and fiscal conservatism but may be more socially progressive. But Gen Z isn’t just turning out at the polls…

Tell me.

They’re also getting directly involved. See: Influencers, who are using their channels to get out the vote. And, even more important: Gen Z is running for Congress. This week, 25-year-old Maxwell Frost won his election in Florida’s 10th Congressional District — giving Gen Z its first seat in the US House, where the average age of elected officials is currently about 58. Meanwhile, in New Hampshire, 25-year-old Karoline Leavitt lost her race against a two-term incumbent by only 25,000 votes. And Gen Z is also running for local office, filling seats that are low profile but more directly involved in the day-to-day of their communities.