In the aftermath of President Joe Biden’s departure from the presidential race and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, young voters took to social media to express their excitement, sharing coconut tree and “brat summer” memes. This shift in tone reflects a generation that has felt neglected by the Democratic Party.
Youth-led progressive organizations had warned for months that Biden struggled to connect with young voters, urging him to refocus on issues crucial to younger generations or risk losing their support. With Biden out of the race, many young leaders now hope Harris can tap into the energy of Gen Z voters.
Since Biden’s exit, statements have poured in from youth-led organizations across the country, thanking him for stepping aside and welcoming the opportunity to rally behind a new candidate. On Friday, a coalition of 17 youth-led groups endorsed Harris.
“This changes everything,” said Zo Tobi, director of communication for the Movement Voter Project. “The world as it is has suddenly shifted into the world as it could be.”
As the campaign enters a new phase, both Harris and her Republican rival, Donald Trump, are targeting young voters who could prove decisive in key states. Harris recorded a video message for a conference of Gen Z activists and elected officials in Atlanta, highlighting her support for gun safety, abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, and climate action.
Eve Levenson, national youth engagement director for Harris’ campaign, praised young voters for their response to the vice president’s elevation to likely nominee. “The online energy has translated into a tangible desire to take action and get involved with our campaign,” she said, citing new voter registrations, small donations, and student requests to start campus-based campaign organizations.
Trump, speaking at a conference hosted by Turning Point USA, derided Harris as “incompetent” and “far left,” vowing to champion religious Americans’ causes in a second White House term.
John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, described the “white-hot energy” among young people as unprecedented since former President Barack Obama’s campaign. While polling is limited, he sees a combination of hopefulness and urgency among young voters.
About 6 in 10 adults under 30 voted for Biden in 2020, but his ratings with this group have dipped substantially since then. Harris starts off with somewhat better favorable ratings among young adults, according to recent polls.
Sunjay Muralitharan, vice president of College Democrats of America, felt a weight lift off his chest when Harris entered the race. Despite monthly coalition calls with the Biden campaign, Muralitharan worried about Biden’s appeal among young voters. College Democrats encouraged the party to prioritize young people and change course on the war in Gaza, but received limited outreach in return.
A Harris campaign represents an opportunity to move in a new direction, Muralitharan said. Harris has shown vocal support for issues important to young voters, and may be able to change course on the war in Gaza.
Santiago Mayer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, said the Biden campaign created a new framework for operating with youth organizations that can now be transitioned into supporting Harris’ campaign. “Gen Z loves VP Harris, and VP Harris loves Gen Z. So we’re ready to get to work for her.
