Will Gen Z Turn Out in the PA Midterms?

In 2024, Gen Z, notably men, voted for President Donald Trump in numbers contrary to previous elections. Nationally, Trump won 56% of young men. Overall, while Kamala Harris won the young vote, she won it 51-47; compare this to 2020’s 60-36 for Joe Biden, and anyone can understand the significance of this number. This shockwave has prompted both Republicans and Democrats to court these younger voters. With this push to win them over has come a multitude of polls to try to understand this age group. 

As the midterms approach, polls continue to flood social media and news stations. The ever-present temptation of trying to understand voter sentiment tantalizes politicos and generates election awareness among others, who ensure that they serve their civic duty by voting. Some polls show Democrats leading in red strongholds like Texas and Alaska, while others display tight races in blue fortresses like Maine and Minnesota. Regardless of the stock put into polls, one noted demographic that many in the political weeds are watching is Generation Z.

While the overall vibe for people frequently online may point to huge Democratic trends within this group, I firmly believe that young voters in central and rural PA will surprise people in November. Overall, young voters’ turnout will likely fall below other age demographics (as will others). In 2022, an estimated 23% of voters aged 18-29 voted. The overall impact of the youth vote is yet to be told, but as Gen Z and Millennials slowly grow as voting blocs, their influence will transform our institutions and country.

Matt Zupon is chairman of the Blair County Republican Party and state grassroots director of Pennsylvania Young Republicans.