The 2024 election revealed a shocking shift among young voters. Once a loyal base for Democrats, Gen Z is now moving right. This change crushed liberal hopes and handed Republicans key victories. Democrats thought young people would save them. They were wrong.
Experts point to the economy as the main driver. Inflation and high living costs hit Gen Z hard. Many young voters blame Biden and Harris for their struggles. They turned to Trump, who promised economic revival. Traditional Democratic issues like climate change took a backseat to wallets and jobs.
Cultural issues also pushed youth right. Young men rejected progressive gender policies. They saw woke ideology as out of touch. White males led the charge, with 63% backing Trump. Even some minority youth questioned liberal promises. Black conservatives like CJ Pearson gained traction by highlighting Democratic failures in inner cities.
The data is brutal for Democrats. Kamala Harris won young voters by just 4 points – down from Biden’s 25-point margin in 2020. Over 40% of Gen Z didn’t vote at all. Those who stayed home cited disgust with both parties. Third-party support collapsed as youth either picked Trump or quit on politics.
Some liberals claim this is temporary. They blame Biden’s unpopularity, not their platform. But trends suggest deeper problems. Young conservatives now outnumber young liberals in many states. The GOP made massive gains in battleground areas. States like Texas and Florida saw youth help secure Republican wins.
Democrats doubled down on identity politics as they lost ground. Their radical climate plans and open borders scared moderate youth. Even college students leaned Republican this cycle. Non-college youth overwhelmingly picked Trump. The party’s elitist image hurt them with working-class young Americans.
The future looks grim for liberals. Their “youthquake” narrative lies in ruins. Once-reliable minority youth are questioning Democratic loyalty. The GOP’s focus on jobs and security resonated. If Republicans keep this momentum, they could dominate politics for decades. The kids aren’t alright – and they’re taking it out on the left.
