Young voters in Milwaukee reveal their top priorities for the 2024 election, with economics, healthcare, and jobs dominating their concerns.
Gen Z voters, a demographic that typically leans towards Democrats, are expressing concerns about the economy, healthcare, jobs, and the environment ahead of the 2024 election. In a recent survey by the Democratic-aligned Blueprint research group, Gen Z voters ranked inflation, healthcare, jobs, and the economy as their top priorities. This shift in priorities among young voters poses a challenge to President Biden's standing among this voting bloc.
Seth Cohen, a 27-year-old Marine Corps veteran and Republican candidate for the U.S. House, emphasized the importance of economics for his generation. "Battling inflation, lowering taxes, and making pro-business environments are critical for ensuring prosperity for my daughter," he said.
Gen Z Voters Prioritize Economic Issues, Challenging Biden's Supremacy
Yasmine Ali, a 20-year-old student at the University of Chicago, expressed concerns about rising prices. "As a student, it's difficult to make ends meet when living expenses and food prices continue to increase," she said. Ali also listed foreign policy as a top concern, specifically the war in Gaza.
Giancarlo Da Motta, an 18-year-old incoming freshman at Miami Dade College, identified climate change as his primary concern. He seeks a candidate who can address environmental issues from an economic and "solution-based" perspective.
Gen Z Voters Prioritize Economic Issues, Challenging Biden's Supremacy
While polls show Biden leading former President Trump among voters under 45, Gen Z voters have expressed overwhelming disapproval of Biden. Only 24% of voters 18-29 have a favorable view of the current president, according to a recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist National Poll. In contrast, Trump scored 49% approval among young voters, the highest of any age group.
Despite the concerns expressed by Gen Z voters, they emphasized the importance of choosing an inspiring and trustworthy candidate. "One of the biggest things I'm looking for, beyond the topical issues, is somebody who I can put my faith in and believe in," Ali said.
Gen Z Voters Prioritize Economic Issues, Challenging Biden's Supremacy
Political organizations and pundits have struggled to capitalize on the Gen Z vote. However, by understanding the key issues that motivate these young voters, candidates and campaigns can effectively engage with them and secure their support in the upcoming election.
In addition to economic concerns, Gen Z voters have also expressed concerns about healthcare, jobs, education, gun violence, and climate change. Candidates who prioritize these issues and offer clear and compelling solutions will likely resonate with this demographic.
Gen Z Voters Prioritize Economic Issues, Challenging Biden's Supremacy
The views expressed by Gen Z voters in Milwaukee are not isolated. Similar concerns have been voiced by young voters across the country, indicating a shift in priorities among this generation. It remains to be seen how these concerns will translate into voting behavior in 2024, but they certainly present challenges for the candidates seeking the support of Gen Z.
