For Gen Z, the U.S. Election Centers on the Economy

The U.S. presidential election is fast approaching, and young voters are emerging as a critical demographic for both parties. With pressing economic issues—from inflation to housing costs—driving their concerns, their participation in the election could be pivotal.

Isabella Morris, a 21-year-old mother from Rosenberg, Texas, is preparing to vote for the first time. Recently married with a two-year-old, she works part-time to support her husband’s full-time income while caring for their child in a small one-bedroom apartment. Despite having no debts, Isabella and her family are struggling to make ends meet. "We can’t afford any mistakes," she shared. "One job used to be enough to live on, even at a minimum wage. Now it feels like we’re barely scraping by."

Gen Z votes driven by economic concerns.

Isabella is among 8 million young people voting for the first time this election, and she’s acutely aware that economic issues are paramount. According to a Gen Forward Survey from the University of Chicago, economic growth, income inequality, and poverty rank as the top concerns for voters aged 18 to 26, even as topics like reproductive rights and gun violence dominate the headlines. This shift contrasts with the 2020 election when healthcare and racism took precedence.

Facing Economic Hardships

Many young voters are confronting high rents, soaring home prices, and a sluggish job market. Kyla Scanlon, a 27-year-old economics educator on TikTok, emphasizes that today's young people face tougher challenges than previous generations. "The overall situation has degraded," she said, noting that individuals aged 22-24 are accumulating more debt than millennials did at the same age, with debt levels rising faster than income.

Young voters are becoming increasingly motivated to make their voices heard. Abby Kiesa, deputy director at the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), anticipates about half of young voters will participate this election—similar to the record turnout in 2020.

As they head to the polls, both presidential candidates are amplifying their economic messages to resonate with this influential group.

Candidates Adjust Their Strategies

Vice President Kamala Harris has highlighted the Biden administration's economic initiatives, including student loan forgiveness and housing affordability. She proposes a $25,000 subsidy for first-time homebuyers and a $6,000 tax credit for families with newborns, while also boosting her outreach efforts to young voters on social media.

On the other hand, former President Donald Trump has capitalized on economic dissatisfaction by critiquing Harris and Biden's economic record and promising to eliminate tip taxation, benefiting many young workers in the service industry.

Recent polls suggest Trump had previously made strides among young voters, but support has recently swung back to Harris, who now leads Trump by 31 points among likely voters aged 18-29, according to a Harvard Institute of Politics poll.

A Call for Representation

Economic challenges are also inspiring young individuals to run for office. Gabriel Sanchez, a 27-year-old Democratic candidate for the Georgia state legislature, is motivated by a desire to alleviate financial burdens on his generation. “Most of us aren’t able to own a home or afford healthcare,” he stated.

In North Carolina, Wyatt Gable, a 21-year-old college student, won the Republican primary for the state’s House of Representatives, potentially making him the youngest state legislator if elected. He believes economic issues will heavily influence young voters come November. "Seeing how bad inflation is...that's going to be the biggest thing on young people's minds," he said.

With economic concerns at the forefront, young voters are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming election. Their needs and priorities will likely dictate the political landscape, making it essential for candidates to engage with this demographic effectively.