Understanding Generation Z’s Rightward Shift in 2024

The 2024 presidential election saw a significant swing in the youth vote towards Donald Trump. This webinar will explore possible underlying causes behind this apparent shift – including changing ideological attitudes, declining trust in democratic institutions, the influence of cultural narratives, and social media consumption.

To unpack these dynamics, this online event will feature voices across the political spectrum, including organizers and academic experts in the field. Together, they will examine how each party, as well as organizers, attempted to engage with Gen Z voters, what strategies resonated or fell short, the implications of this shift for the future of the electorate, and if the dynamics have changed since the election.

The discussion will go beyond campaign tactics to explore the deeper dynamics and sentiments at play in driving the apparent youth shift towards Trump. Attention will be given to the different demographic variations within the youth vote, including the significant – and often overlooked – movement of young people of color towards Trump.

Speakers include:

• Evan Doerr, Harvard College ’28; Chairman, Conservative Coalition at the Institute of Politics, Harvard Kennedy School
• Micah English, PhD Candidate, Political Science, Yale University
• Dakota Hall, Executive Director, Alliance for Youth Action
• Stephen Richer (Moderator), Senior Practice Fellow in American Democracy, Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation

In conjunction with the online event, this discussion will be livestreamed in-person in the Ash Center’s Seminar Room 225 for Harvard ID holders. Pizza will be served.

This event is co-sponsored by the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Event Details

Registration is required for both online and in-person attendance. A recording will be made available after the event’s conclusion.

The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. Should you wish to enquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu prior to the event.