I still remember the first time I saw a 20-something on a city council livestream—confident, direct, unapologetically themselves. It wasn’t a campaign ad or a viral TikTok. It was real life. That moment stuck with me, because it was the first time I truly felt it: politics isn’t just for the old guard anymore.
More and more, Gen Z—those born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s—is showing up in political races across the globe. And here’s the kicker: they’re winning. From school boards to city councils to state legislatures, these young leaders are stepping up, speaking out, and shaking things up in the best way.
Let’s break down why this movement matters, how Gen Z is pulling it off, and what it could mean for the rest of us watching from the sidelines.
Meet the New Generation of Political Players
Forget the stereotypes. Gen Z isn’t sitting back and watching the world burn—they’re running for office to fix it.
1. Born Into a Digital Revolution
This generation came of age in a world already wired. TikTok, Twitter, and livestreams aren’t novelties—they’re tools. And Gen Z knows how to use them.
Take Alexandria Villaseñor. She organized global climate strikes through Instagram before she could vote. That kind of digital fluency? It's helping Gen Z candidates raise funds, mobilize communities, and outmaneuver traditional campaigns without breaking the bank.
2. Grassroots Over Grandstanding
Where previous generations might have waited their turn or climbed party ladders, Gen Z is diving in headfirst—often at the local level. They know that city ordinances and school board decisions can shape lives just as much as federal policies.
Personally, I’ve watched this play out in my own community. A 22-year-old ran for our local housing board last year and won. Her entire campaign was focused on renters’ rights—because, as she put it, “I’ve lived the struggle. It’s time someone represented it.”
3. Redefining What a Politician Looks Like
Gen Z candidates are diverse, loud about their identities, and refreshingly real. No cookie-cutter suits or scripted speeches here. Whether it's a non-binary candidate running in a conservative district or a first-generation college student advocating for equitable education, they’re proving you don’t need decades of experience to lead with heart.
Why Local Seats Are a Big Deal
When most people think “politics,” they think presidents. But here’s a reality check: your local city council has more influence on your daily life than Congress does.
1. It’s Where Real Change Happens Fast
Gen Z knows this, which is why they’re starting local. Fixing broken transit, updating school safety plans, reforming zoning laws—it’s all on the table when you’ve got a seat in local government.
I once attended a town hall led by a Gen Z council member who’d only been in office for six months—and already helped pass new tenant protections. It was a reminder that change doesn’t have to be distant or slow.
2. Small Communities, Big Impact
Local leaders can test innovative policies that ripple outward. Think sustainable housing projects, mental health programs in schools, or real-time digital feedback systems for residents.
Take Melbourne’s Yass Atar, who started livestreaming council meetings and digital Q&As with his constituents. Suddenly, public engagement tripled. Gen Z’s digital-first mindset is reimagining how governments connect with people.
3. Building Credibility from the Ground Up
Winning locally helps Gen Z build trust and a track record before they scale to higher office. It’s a proving ground—and they’re thriving in it.
Challenges They’re Facing (And Tackling Head-On)
Let’s be real: running for office in your twenties isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There’s no shortage of roadblocks—and yet, Gen Z isn’t backing down.
1. Age Bias Is Still Alive and Well
Voters and older politicians often assume youth equals inexperience. But Gen Z leaders are flipping that narrative by staying relentlessly informed and overprepared. They’re not afraid to bring receipts to every meeting, debate, or tweet.
I remember watching a 19-year-old candidate shut down a panel of skeptics with data, lived experience, and a wicked sense of humor. It was glorious.
2. The Policy Learning Curve
Let’s face it—legislation is dense. But here’s what Gen Z does better than anyone: they ask questions. They collaborate. They crowdsource insights from activists, experts, and everyday folks.
Instead of pretending to know everything, they build teams that do. That’s not a weakness—it’s leadership.
3. Burnout Is a Real Risk
The constant pressure to be “on,” respond instantly, and handle both politics and social media? It’s a grind. Gen Z candidates are learning the importance of boundaries early on—and building support systems that prioritize mental health.
What Gen Z Wants for the Future
So what are these young leaders fighting for? Turns out, quite a lot. And it’s not vague or idealistic—it’s strategic, researched, and deeply personal.
1. Climate Action (Like, Yesterday)
This isn’t a passion project—it’s survival. Gen Z leaders are laser-focused on sustainability, pushing for clean energy, green tech jobs, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Take Finnish MP Atte Harjanne, who’s been championing eco-friendly urban development for years. He’s not just making speeches—he’s passing laws.
2. Real Representation
This generation is done waiting to be seen. They’re running as queer, trans, neurodivergent, immigrant, disabled—openly, proudly, and with platforms that reflect that diversity.
Mauree Turner, the first non-binary state legislator in the U.S., is a living example. Their work around racial justice, prison reform, and LGBTQ+ rights isn’t symbolic—it’s systemic.
3. Mental Health Front and Center
Gen Z grew up amid anxiety, school shootings, and social media pressure. They know mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Expect to see more funding for youth counseling, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed education in their platforms.
4. Equity in Education and Housing
Many Gen Z politicians have experienced the struggles of student debt, underfunded schools, or rising rents firsthand. So they're prioritizing policy over platitudes—like free community college, tenant protections, and school equity audits.
Why This Movement Matters for All of Us
Even if you’re not Gen Z, this surge of young leadership changes the game for everyone.
1. It Reinvigorates Democracy
When you see someone your age—or someone who actually looks like your community—take the mic, it lights a fire. Voter turnout spikes. Civic engagement grows. Political apathy shrinks.
2. It Brings Solutions, Not Soundbites
Gen Z isn't campaigning on vague slogans. They're pushing pilot programs, co-writing policy, and inviting community members into the legislative process. It’s less about clout, more about action.
3. It Holds Power Accountable
From livestreamed council meetings to digital town halls, Gen Z is demanding—and delivering—transparency. They're not waiting for permission. They’re reshaping politics from the ground up.
Curiosity Corner
- Fact: In 2020, more than 70% of Gen Z voters supported climate action, contrasting sharply with older generations.
Question: With technology as a tool for transparency, how might Gen Z politicians reshape public trust in governance?
-Fact: Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, making representation a core part of their political agenda.
Question: How will Gen Z's unique approach to networking and community engagement redefine political campaigning in the future?
Watch the Next Chapter Unfold
Gen Z isn’t the future—they’re the right now. And they’re rewriting the rules of politics with every local seat they win, every bill they introduce, every live Q&A they host from their phones.
As someone who’s seen these shifts play out up close—from livestream debates to community meetups—I can tell you this much: things feel different. More honest. More urgent. More human.
So if you’ve ever thought politics wasn’t your thing? Maybe it’s time to take another look. Gen Z already is.
