During the 2024 presidential elections, voters aged 18-29 made up the largest percentage of the non-voting bloc in the United States at 30%, according to Pew Research. Historically, voters in the 18-29 age category have been less politically engaged than their older counterparts, and less likely to participate in local elections.
On Nov 4., democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race in New York City, receiving 78% of the 18-29 vote, according to exit polling done by ABC News. Mamdani’s position on affordability, the cost of living and community resonated with young voters, ABC said.
In the New Jersey and Virginia governor elections, young voter turnout “surged” by seven and nine percentage points, respectively, compared to 2021 gubernatorial elections, according to Tuft’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE).
Students and student leaders at UCCS spoke about their top political issues, as well as their thoughts on what Mamdani’s mayoral win might mean for young voters in the future.
Students’ top issues and perspectives on Mamdani
Walat Gozeh, junior political science major
Cost of living. Colorado is an expensive state. It’s beautiful, but it’s expensive. Things are constantly getting more expensive; we can advocate for more affordability.
Dallas McPhaul, sophomore chemistry major
The education system and bureaucracy.
I don’t support communism, but young people are on the right track [with Mamdani]. It’s impossible for a young person to survive, and it’s because of money. Young people don’t have the same opportunities that baby boomers and first-time home buyers had 40 years ago.
Brandon Simmons, sophomore mechanical engineering major
International relations are being severed right now. I feel like it’s not on a lot of people’s minds right now, but long term it’s really detrimental to the country and the United States’ position.
Affordability is a really good issue that I feel like isn’t talked about on a local level. I think a lot of people resonate with Mamdani because he represents something new, he’s young.
Sasha Romid, junior psychology major
Affordability, for sure. It’s already tough to be a college student, it’s even tougher to be a college student in what is probably going to be a recession. Affordability in terms of healthcare, as well.
I am quite concerned for trans people in the United States right now, considering how aggressive the legislation has been recently. Not only on state levels, but on the federal level.
Michael Gonzales, sophomore computer science major
Lack of transparency and narratives being controlled.
Research grants are being cut, and research programs are being terminated.
Seamus Foster-Wagner, junior political science major
In a lot of elections, I’m tired of just voting for the lesser of two evils.
I personally care about integrity, so when I see all these politicians getting away with corruption, I feel helpless about it, and I want them to get some kind of comeuppance.
UCCS Alumni, wished to remain anonymous
I am really unhappy that we are defunding our sciences in the U.S. We need more basic research, because that’s where we actually develop technological innovations.
Young people resonated with Mamdani’s message because life is expensive, and people like support.
UCCS College Democrats and UCCS College Republicans
Ethan Coltrin, president of UCCS College Democrats
According to Coltrin, top issues within the UCCS College Democrats include government functioning and democratic erosion.
Has the organization’s membership increased or decreased in the last year?
Coltrin said that over the last year, membership has increased slightly for the organization.
“Democrats are in an interesting spot with younger people. We see a lot of popularity with the Democratic socialist group, and with Turning Point USA, for example,” Coltrin said.
Have you noticed any significant changes to the political climate on campus?
Coltrin said that from his perspective, political values on campus have shifted further to the right in the last year.
“I think that follows the nationwide trend, though, after seeing Trump elected last year. I’ve definitely noticed a little more outspoken support for conservative values, conservative ideas,” Coltrin said.
Which parts of Mamdani’s messaging do you think resonated with young voters and why?
“I think he really speaks to a lot of struggles that young people face nowadays, especially with inflation — everything is just so expensive for young people. We’re facing unprecedented levels of inflation,” Coltrin said.
Do you think candidates like Mamdani represent a shift in young voters and their top issues?
According to Coltrin, populist messaging from both conservative and liberal candidates resonates with young voters today. “Anti-establishment, anti-tradition [candidates] are coming in and bringing ‘outside’ ideas to the table,” he said.
According to Coltrin, breaking down echo chambers is an important goal for the future. “I think having conversations and normalizing disagreement is a huge thing, and something we really need more of. I think the invention of social media has taken us in the opposite direction,” he said.
Gerardo Martinez Salinas, president of UCCS College Republicans
According to Salinas, top issues within the UCCS College Republicans include the economy, the rise of political extremism and individual rights and privacy.
Has the organization’s membership increased or decreased in the last year?
Salinas said that membership to the College Republicans has remained steady.
“What has surprised me is the growth of the broader conservative community on campus. The number of students identifying with conservative values has increased to a level I never expected to see here at UCCS,” he said.
Have you noticed any significant changes to the political climate on campus?
Salinas said that while he was initially worried about increasing polarization, organizations on campus like BridgeUCCS have helped with political conversations between groups.
“We’ve seen stronger communication between the major political organizations, an overall growth in political participation, and an improvement in our political dialogue,” he said.
Which parts of Mamdani’s messaging do you think resonated with young voters and why?
According to Salinas, a feeling of frustration toward broken systems accounts for recent Gen Z turnout. “Mr. Mamdani’s campaign resonated with youth because it promised radical change,” he said.
Do you think candidates like Mamdani represent a shift in young voters and their top issues?
“Candidates like Mr. Mamdani represent a new wave of Gen Z political action. While his campaign captured the attention of our generation, his campaign will not be unique,” Salinas said.
Salinas said that he hopes to see continued mobilization from young voters, as well as increased civil conversations on campus.
“One point I want to emphasize is the importance of dismantling the artificial walls we sometimes build against our political opponents. Universities should be spaces for debate, dialogue, and the testing of new, often radical ideas,” he said.
Photo via The Scribe archive.