Former President Donald Trump has gained support from various demographics since his initial presidential run in 2016. This time, he aims to attract votes from a new demographic: young men.
There are indications that this group could lean towards Trump in the 2024 election, posing a potential challenge for Vice President Kamala Harris in what appears to be a closely contested race.
With the noticeable shift in demographics, both political parties are actively trying to engage with this demographic.
In previous election cycles, Republican presidential candidates have not focused much on courting young voters. Historically, voters aged 30 and above have been more favorable towards the GOP compared to younger voters, who tend to lean more liberal.
However, there is a more polarized environment among young voters, with young women being more Democratic in their voting patterns while young men have historically been evenly split.
This election cycle, Trump seems to be making progress in garnering support among younger voters, particularly those aged 18 to 44, driven by men shifting towards the Republican Party during Trump’s tenure.
Mark Mitchell, chief of polling firm Rasmussen, noted a general rightward shift in younger voters over the past three election cycles from 2016 to 2024.
Trump supporters cheer as the former president arrives to speak at a campaign event in Racine, Wis., on June 18, 2024. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
About two dozen young men interviewed by The Epoch Times across the United States expressed their concerns about the economy, highlighting issues such as housing, tax rates, and inflation as their main worries.
Some of them mentioned being drawn to Trump’s strong persona, which appeals more to men than to women. Others felt neglected by the Democratic Party, believing that the party focuses too much on issues like abortion that have less impact on men. Additionally, some felt marginalized by left-wing ideologies.
Mitchell’s polling at Rasmussen currently shows Trump leading Harris among 18- to 39-year-old men by a margin of 47 to 46 percent, while women in the same age group prefer Harris by a margin of 48 to 44 percent.
The latest poll revealed that Democrats have lost about 4 points of support among men of all ages compared to 2020, while Trump has gained about 2 points.
The poll also indicated significant improvements for Trump among young voters, with 7% more support from 18- to 29-year-olds than he received in 2020.
Both party strategists and voters have observed this trend, with Republicans looking to capitalize on it and Democrats aiming to reverse it.
Charles Bullock, a political science professor at the University of Georgia, expressed concern about the declining support among young men for the Democratic Party this year.
“It is a significant potential issue for them,” he said. “They have relied on capturing very young voters. If they don’t, it’s a problem.”
Supporters cheer as Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Oct. 28, 2024. Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Economic Anxiety
When speaking to young male voters, one issue comes up again and again: the economy.
