What Role Will Gen Z Play in PA's 2026 Election?

In this year’s midterm elections, Pennsylvanians will face many options. The entire congressional delegation, half of the state Senate delegation, and all state House members will appear on Pennsylvania’s ballots, along with the gubernatorial race. In 2022, Gov. Josh Shapiro won in a landslide and, for the first time since 2008, carried the state House to a Democratic majority. While not necessarily unprecedented, Shapiro’s clean-sweep victory validated a national platform that he has long sought.

One thing remains true: young voters’ turnout continues to prove resilient in big elections. In Pennsylvania in 2020, about 54% of people aged 18-29 voted, up 7 points from 2016. In 2022, Pennsylvania ranked sixth in the nation in youth voter engagement. In 2024, while down slightly from 2020, young voter turnout still remained over 50% in key swing states, including in Pennsylvania. 

So, how will Gen Z voters influence the 2026 election in Pennsylvania? To first understand the potential impact, one must identify how many Pennsylvania residents belong to this nascent voting group. As of 2024, about 20% of Pennsylvanians belonged to the Gen Z demographic. While not all will be of voting age, the proportion of Gen Z voters continues to rise as older generations pass away and more Zoomers come of age. As this demographic expands, its political influence increases. Both the sole Republican and Democratic candidates for governor (as of now) have outlined policies, whether in their positions or through their campaigns, to court Pennsylvania’s youth.

As Treasurer, Stacy Garrity invested heavily in improving Pennsylvania’s 529 college savings program. She eliminated the minimum deposit to open a 529 and lowered the minimum contributions. Garrity also returned a record amount of escheated property to Pennsylvanians, totaling more than $1 billion as of January 2026. Garrity’s gubernatorial campaign so far has made this return of unclaimed property a focal point. At a time when the Commonwealth’s youngest voters face expensive costs while beginning their adult lives, a return check from a forgotten savings account from a decade ago could make the difference. For those starting families that wish to invest in their children’s education, this 529 expansion could prove a critical pitch to voters. 

Gov. Shapiro’s outreach to the youth vote remains quite visible, though perhaps more controversial. As governor, Shapiro signed a budget into law that increased social media spending by over 68% last year. This communications team costs millions of taxpayer dollars in salaries. They frequently post to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to tout Shapiro’s self-proclaimed accomplishments, different locations in Pennsylvania, and other content to engage with young people. In fact, his 2022 campaign used a volunteer social media group, dubbed the “Shapiro Squad”, to connect with young voters in this same fashion. It appears that, through both official government positions and campaign tactics from the past, he will repeat this strategy of connecting with the younger voters.

Overall, in 2026, young people will play a major role in the swing state of Pennsylvania. As the voting age population for Gen Z increases, so will the influence and impact of their needs. While the November elections remain months away, it appears very likely that candidates at all levels will look to win over Gen Z voters in Pennsylvania. The youth in PA should exercise their right to vote and research all candidates at all levels on the ballot this year. 

Matt Zupon is chairman of the Blair County Republican Party.