Gen Z and millennials are running for Congress in record numbers, but few reach November
Summary
More young people from Generation Z and millennials are running for Congress than ever before, but most do not make it past early stages of elections. These younger candidates often lack political experience, which makes it harder for them to raise money, get volunteers, and win party support compared to older candidates.Key Facts
- Nearly 4,000 candidates filed to run for Congress this cycle, a 31% increase compared to 2024.
- 36.4% of candidates with known ages were from Gen Z or millennials, up from 23.4% in 2024.
- Only 1.7% of Gen Z candidates and 9% of millennials have served in state legislatures.
- About 21% of Gen Z candidates and 30% of millennials stayed in the race by early September, lower than 41% of Gen X and 44% of Baby Boomers.
- Younger candidates have more difficulty qualifying for primary ballots and tend to withdraw or lose before general elections.
- Women make up 17.1% of Gen Z candidates, fewer than in older generations.
- Younger candidates are mostly Democrats, even though President Trump’s Republican Party is also working to attract young voters.
- Some young candidates won primaries, such as Melat Kiros in Colorado and Joe Mitchell in Iowa.
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