At the DNC, influencers and emerging political figures like U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost and the Walz siblings bring a fresh perspective to the political arena (Photo Credit: Public Domain, Facebook).
What do young people want most today? To be heard.
In history, adults tend to dismiss young voices from each generation, assuming they lack the experience to understand the world. However, with the rise of the Internet and social media, information is now more accessible and engaging for the demographic known as Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012 between the ages of 12 and 27. This digital age provides a platform for Gen Z to express their desires and push for change, bringing them from the sidelines to the ballot box.
Making Their Mark at the Democratic National Convention
At last week’s Democratic National Convention, a new wave of revolutionaries made their mark, eager to shape future ideas and help pave a path for future generations. They showed up ready to have fun and make their voices heard while watching Gov. Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris accept their 2024 nominations.
Hope and Gus Walz: The Next Generation of Leadership
Gen Z Democrats are entering the spotlight, and two individuals might soon join the White House. Hope, 23, and her 17-year-old brother Gus Walz, rooted for their dad, Gov. Tim Walz, on Wednesday evening. Hope is a recent graduate from Montana University and a social worker. Gus, who has a nonverbal disorder and disabilities, proudly cheered for his dad with tears in his eyes, shouting, “That’s my dad!” during Walz’s speech.
On the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Walz was in the middle of an interview displaying closeness with his family as Hope and Gus held up bunny ears behind his head. He later shared the moment on Twitter, saying, “My kids keep me humble.”
Ella Emhoff: A Fashionable Force in the White House
Vice President Harris also has a stepdaughter who is a Gen Z baby: Ella Emhoff, 25. She is a model who has a career in fashion and design. Even though Ella has already made the White House home, she is ready to welcome Gus and Hope alongside her brother Cole if their families win the election in November.
Maxwell Frost: A Voice for Climate Change
On Thursday evening, when Kamala Harris gave her speech, there was a warm welcome from a U.S. Representative who was deeply admired for his speech on the climate crisis.
“My name is Maxwell Alejandro Frost. I’m proud to be the first member of my generation in Congress and to represent Central Florida,” said the 27-year-old.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Rep. Frost said, “Our patriotism is more than some damn slogan on a hat. It’s about actually giving a damn about the people who live in this country. Because when you love somebody, you want them to have clean air. When you love somebody, you want them to have safe drinking water; when you love somebody, you want them to have a dignified job.”[/perfectpullquote]
Influencers Take Center Stage at the DNC
For the first time, the DNC invited social media influencers, including many Gen Z stars, to mix their brands with the event. With their massive followings, these influencers can amplify any message they support.
However, social media raised questions about whether influencers are being paid to attend and whether this is just a tactic to sway young voters. Some wondered if this effort genuinely values young voices or aims to win them over.
Brandy Merriweather on Kamala Harris’s Policies
Political groups like The Young Democrats of America and College Democrats of America are involved, while Brandy Merriweather from @thegenzpublicist wonders if Kamala Harris’s policies are getting enough attention.
An interviewer asked Merriweather if Gen Z knew about Kamala Harris’s policies.
She stated, “It’s been three weeks to a month now, like give my sis a break; she has time right, but at the same time, I feel like the DNC stage is going to be the perfect opportunity to start laying out. We saw the economic policy come through, and I look forward to seeing more and more.”
The ‘Hotties for Harris’ Afterparty: Fun with a Purpose
For those under 30, the hottest ticket post-Day 2 of the DNC was the “Hotties for Harris” afterparty. It featured a content creator vibe, messaging on reproductive rights, bold decorations and free contraception.
A viral photo shows a DNC attendee live-streaming with a message about JD Vance, referencing a false rumor from his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” adding a touch of controversy to the event.
Addressing Key Issues: Freedom, Climate Change, and Infrastructure
Most Gen Z attendees at the convention showed up because they believe youth deserve a voice. As they face an evolving world, they stress the need to be heard and have a say in the future.
They highlighted key issues like freedom, noting how fundamental rights for women and personal liberties are being threatened. Gen Z attendees at the DNC made a point to address critical concerns about the planet’s habitability, clean air and water, and the impacts of climate change. They’ve come to push for a future without facing concerns over their thoughts.
Bridging the Generational Divide
Chicago photographer Christopher Locker said he saw a big gap between adults and young people.
“Many of us feel like our voices aren’t heard, showing a clear generational divide,” Locker said.
“I’m also worried about retirees’ financial security. Bernie Sanders mentioned how many Americans can’t live on Social Security alone and often must return to work after retirement. As a younger person, this is concerning—it’s upsetting to think that people work their entire lives and still struggle in retirement.”
The Fight for Reproductive Rights and Democratic Values
Holly Badula, the national director of communications for the Democratic National Committee and represents College Democrats of America, also stated, “Reproductive rights are a major concern for me; it’s vital to control our bodies and ensure future generations can live in a safe and fair environment. I’m also focused on mass shootings and the erosion of democratic values.”
America’s Crumbling Infrastructure: A Gen Z Perspective
Another Gen Z representative from the College Democrats said that the critical issue is America’s crumbling infrastructure—our roads, sewer lines, water lines and power grids need urgent repairs to keep daily life running smoothly.
Gun Violence: A Personal and National Concern
Julian Salvador, 16, is the First Brother of the College Democrats of America and President of the Spring Valley High School Democrats in Las Vegas. He accepted his invitation to the DNC to support Harris and Walz and shared his worries.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”My top concerns are climate change, gun violence and the current state of our country. I’m worried about the opposition’s agendas, like those from Donald Trump and JD Vance, which seem to push autocratic tactics that aren’t in the best interest of everyday Americans,” said Salvador[/perfectpullquote]
Gregory Sharpe, 21, is the Overseas Regional Director for Culture for Peace of America, representing Democrats Abroad. He stated Gun violence is my biggest concern.
“As a survivor of the Highland Park shooting in 2022 (July 4, a mass shooting that occurred during an Independence Day parade), I’ve experienced its severe impact firsthand. I believe it’s crucial to get military-grade weapons off our streets to ensure a safer future for everyone,” said Sharpe.
The Road Ahead: Gen Z’s Role in Shaping the Future
The DNC provided the Gen Z demographic and influencers with a chance to not only create as they do on a daily basis but also ensure that these young voices get the space they deserve to make an impact. It will be exciting to see how they make their mark and who emerges victorious in this election.
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