Below the surface of the national battle for U.S. House and U.S. Senate, another battle churns. Both political sides admit it could be more important than what’s happening above: the battle for state government trifectas. 

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.

In politics, authenticity sells. “Whatcha see, is whatcha get,” got Andrew Jackson on the $20 dollar bill. It put Teddy Roosevelt on Mount Rushmore and Donald Trump into the White House. In Pennsylvania, authenticity is the key to Mike Kelly’s eight terms in Congress. T

The Pennsylvania Republican told me this summer, “I’ve always been a ‘mean what you say – and say what you mean’ [politician].” Trust is a declining asset in American life. In 1958, 73% of Americans trusted the federal government. Today, 7% of voters “trust politicians.” Authenticity, whether real or perceived, matters. Mike Kelly’s grip on Pennsylvania’s 16th congressional district demonstrates its power.   

A quiet Sunday morning in Allentown belied the intensity and importance of the upcoming midterm elections. Speaking with Democrats and Republicans in the Lehigh Valley, voters in both political parties had two major things in common.