Can Republicans Keep Youth Voters? What Will It Take To Expand This Base
A recent CalMatters article highlighted a surprising trend from the 2024 election: a growing number of young voters, especially young men, are leaning toward the Republican Party. Even in deep-blue California, Donald Trump increased his vote share in 45 out of 58 counties compared to 2020. Economic concerns are a major driver of this shift. Young voters, struggling with inflation, student loan debt, and unaffordable housing, feel let down by Democratic policies. Many are now drawn to Republican messages of economic growth, deregulation, and lower taxes. However, turning this shift into lasting support requires more than just dissatisfaction with the status quo. Republicans must engage young voters where they are—on digital platforms—and offer real solutions that go beyond Trump’s appeal. If they succeed, they could reshape the political landscape for years to come.