By Maria Isabel Mortensen and Wais Alizai
Exit polls show 61% of women aged 18-29 backed Kamala Harris in the 2024 US election, compared to 37% for Donald Trump.
In comparison to Harris, Trump managed to secure 49 per cent of young men of the same age in the election.
Trump made a stunning political comeback in 2024 after sealing a historic victory in the US presidential election.
The gender divide in the 2024 election is significant, with young women showing a clear preference for Harris, driven largely by her focus on reproductive rights, climate change, and social justice.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 was a key factor motivating young women to turn out in large numbers to support candidates who pledged to protect abortion rights.
Harris, who made these issues central to her platform, succeeded in inspiring younger female voters, who are increasingly mobilised by concerns over gender equality and the environment.
A young voter from Chicago, Jessica Perez, 25 said ““I voted for Kamala because of her stance on women’s rights and her commitment to climate action,” “These are the issues that matter most to my generation.”
In contrast, Trump found considerable support among young men, who were drawn to his promises of economic recovery, job creation, and a tough stance on law enforcement.
Many young male voters expressed concerns about economic stability, and Trump’s focus on restoring jobs in traditional industries resonated with this group.
Trump’s rhetoric on national security and law and order also played a role in solidifying his appeal among young men, particularly those in swing states.
A young voter from Pennsylvania, Sean Gallagher, 27 said “Trump’s focus on the economy and bringing back jobs really spoke to me, he understands the challenges young people are facing today.”
Political analysts point to these trends as part of a broader shift in how young voters are engaging with politics. The election reveals a sharp divide in how young men and women prioritise issues, with women tending to lean more toward progressive values, while men focus more on economic and security concerns.
The candidates’ platforms reflected these divisions, with Harris emphasising progressive policies on social justice and Trump focusing on traditional economic and security issues.
As voters aged 18-29 become an increasingly influential demographic, both political parties are expected to adapt their strategies to better engage this group in upcoming elections.
With young voters at the forefront of political change, their influence will likely continue to grow in shaping the policies and priorities of future candidates.