What Young Voters Want: The Issues That Could Decide the 2026 Midterms

As the 2026 midterm elections loom, political strategists in both parties are turning their attention to a pivotal and unpredictable voting bloc: young Americans. Voters between the ages of 18 and 34—spanning older members of Generation Z and younger Millennials—are expected to play a major role in determining control of Congress, governorships, and key down-ballot races.

While historically less reliable at the polls, recent election cycles have shown that young voters are increasingly mobilized by issues that affect their daily lives—especially when candidates speak to them directly and authentically.

Here are the key issues that are likely to drive young voter turnout in 2026:

Economic Pressure Is Priority One

For many young voters, the economy isn’t a matter of theory—it’s personal. Saddled with student debt, struggling to afford rent, and often stuck in jobs that don’t keep pace with inflation, this generation is deeply concerned about the cost of living.

Polls show strong support for policies such as student loan forgiveness, affordable housing initiatives, and raising the federal minimum wage. A growing number of young voters—particularly in urban areas—are also pushing for rent stabilization and protections against corporate landlord practices.

Candidates who focus on economic survival, not just long-term fiscal policy, are more likely to capture attention in this demographic.

Abortion Rights Remain a Mobilizing Force

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion access has remained a defining issue for many young Americans, especially women and LGBTQ+ voters.

In states where abortion rights are under threat or already rolled back, young voters have played a crucial role in referendums and state elections. Republican candidates who advocate even moderate restrictions may face resistance from Gen Z voters who see bodily autonomy as a fundamental right.

Democratic candidates are expected to continue making abortion access a centerpiece of their campaigns, while some Republican hopefuls are working to strike a delicate balance between social conservatism and broader appeal.

Climate Change Is Not a Future Problem—It’s Now

Wildfires, heatwaves, and extreme weather events have made climate change a lived experience for many young Americans. Climate policy continues to rank among the top concerns for voters under 35, particularly in coastal states and the Mountain West.

Support remains high for clean energy investment, carbon reduction goals, and environmental protections. However, there is growing skepticism about “greenwashing” and performative policy. Young voters want specific plans, not slogans.

Candidates across the spectrum may find traction by framing climate policy through the lens of economic innovation and energy independence.

A Battle Over Free Speech and Digital Rights

Digital platforms are not just how Gen Z communicates—they are their public square. That’s why recent efforts to ban or regulate platforms like TikTok have generated strong reactions, especially among politically active young users.

While many support content moderation to curb hate speech, others are increasingly concerned about government overreach, surveillance, and censorship. The debate over internet freedom is shaping up to be a surprising wedge issue, dividing both parties internally and cutting across ideological lines.

Foreign Policy and the Israel–Palestine Divide

The ongoing war in Gaza has deeply affected younger voters, particularly on college campuses where protests and political activism have surged. A significant segment of Gen Z sees the conflict as a moral issue and has grown increasingly critical of U.S. military aid to Israel.

Democrats face growing internal friction over their response to the war, while some Republicans may find opportunities to appeal to isolationist-leaning youth or those concerned with humanitarian policy—so long as they avoid alienating their base.

Mental Health Is a Political Issue

Young people are facing a mental health crisis—and they want leaders to take it seriously. Surveys show widespread support for expanded funding for counseling services in schools and workplaces, telehealth accessibility, and overall destigmatization of mental illness.

While not a headline-grabbing issue in the traditional sense, mental health funding has become a quiet priority for young voters, especially post-pandemic.

Criminal Justice Reform Still Resonates

Calls for criminal justice reform haven’t disappeared—they’ve evolved. Young voters, including conservatives, increasingly support policies aimed at reducing incarceration for nonviolent offenses, improving prison conditions, and addressing racial disparities in sentencing.

Support for defunding police has waned, but there is consistent backing for increased police accountability and demilitarization of local law enforcement.

Culture Wars in the Classroom

Education remains a political flashpoint, and young voters—many of whom are recent students or future parents—are watching closely. They’re engaged in debates over curriculum transparency, book bans, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and how American history is taught.

Progressive voters are pushing for inclusive education and academic freedom, while young conservatives are organizing around parental rights and restrictions on “woke” ideology in schools.

Cynicism About Democracy, But a Desire to Reform It

Perhaps the most defining trait of Gen Z’s political mindset is a deep skepticism of institutions. Many believe the system is rigged. Yet rather than disengaging entirely, they’re pushing for reforms—such as ranked-choice voting, open primaries, and easier ballot access.

Campaigns that speak directly to these frustrations and offer structural solutions may tap into a surprisingly motivated group of voters.

The Gun Violence Generation

Mass shootings—particularly at schools—have shaped the worldview of an entire generation. While policy preferences vary, there is strong support among young voters for universal background checks, red flag laws, and certain limits on high-capacity firearms.

Gun violence prevention remains one of the few bipartisan issues for younger voters, though framed very differently depending on political affiliation.

Conclusion: Ignore Gen Z at Your Own Risk

While young voter turnout is never guaranteed, the issues they care about are not going away. Candidates who speak plainly, show authenticity, and offer concrete solutions stand the best chance of engaging this increasingly influential bloc.

In 2026, control of Congress may very well rest on whether either party can capture the attention—and trust—of America’s youngest voters.