A recent national poll indicated voters aged 18-24 were more conservative by several points than the age group just older than them.
The Harvard Kennedy School poll result is a sign of shifting attitudes as younger voters have been historically known as a more liberal voting bloc. Vice President Kamala Harris still maintained a sizable lead over former President Donald Trump among the age group.
Men 18-24 were five points more conservative than those aged 25-29, while women aged 18-24 were about three points more conservative.
“This poll reveals a significant shift in the overall vibe and preferences of young Americans as the campaign heads into the final stretch,” John Della Volpe, the Harvard Institute of Politics Polling director, said. “Vice President Harris has strengthened the Democratic position among young voters, leading Trump on key issues and personal qualities. Gen Z and young millennials‘ heightened enthusiasm signals a potentially decisive role for the youth vote in 2024.”
Volpe told Axios that the younger generation was hit harder by COVID-19 and ignored by the establishment. Those feelings have contributed to a slight rightward shift.
“They think of Trump as an anti-hero and not a villain. … I think it’s less about policy and much more about personality,” the pollster said.
Still, Harris largely dominated Trump in the poll. She led by 31 points among 18-to-29 year-olds of likely voters in a multicandidate matchup and has shifted the support of those not in college and without a degree to her side by 4 points. A March poll showed Biden only had a 13-point advantage among the age demographic and was trailing Trump by four points in those who weren’t in college.
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“In just a few weeks, Vice President Harris has drummed up a wave of enthusiasm among young voters. The shift we are seeing toward Harris is seismic, driven largely by young women. Our poll provides a deep dive into the values of this generation that will drive them to the polls in November,” Anil Cacodcar, chairman of the Harvard Public Opinion Project, said. “Harris is enjoying a perfect storm of personal appeal, policy support, and positive reach on social media.”
The younger age demographic largely sided with Harris on most issues except the economy, the Israel-Hamas war, immigration, and national security. Harris took commanding leads on abortion and climate change in particular.
