A recent Axios/Generation Lab poll reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris is significantly outpacing former President Donald Trump among Gen Z voters. This poll indicates that Harris holds a commanding lead over Trump in the 18—to 34-year-old demographic, with 60% supporting Harris compared to 40% for Trump.
This surge of support from younger voters highlights a critical demographic shift. The poll was conducted shortly after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race and his endorsement of Harris as the Democratic nominee, which appears to have bolstered her standing among younger Americans.
When respondents were asked to choose between Biden and Trump, 53% of the 18 to 34 demographic favored Biden, while 47% preferred Trump. This shows a noticeable increase in support for Harris over Biden, suggesting that her candidacy resonates more with the younger electorate.
The poll, conducted between July 22 and July 24, also asked participants to rate Harris, Biden, and Trump on a favorability scale. Harris emerged as the most favorable, with 45% viewing her positively. Trump followed with 34%, and Biden trailed at 33%. Additionally, Trump had the highest percentage of respondents rating him as "extremely unfavorable" at 42%.
Harris's campaign has been in high gear since she announced her intentions to secure the Democratic nomination. Her campaign set a fundraising record by collecting $200 million in just the first week. Furthermore, Harris's social media presence surged, amassing over a million followers on TikTok within hours of her first post. Her ability to dominate headlines and engage with younger voters on platforms like TikTok demonstrates her appeal to a tech-savvy generation.
A pivotal question remains regarding Harris's choice of a running mate. When polled on this issue, 38% of young respondents were unsure, reflecting uncertainty and anticipation. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg garnered 14% support, while Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also received notable mentions.
The enthusiastic support for Harris among Gen Z and younger millennials indicates a shift in the political landscape. This demographic, which has shown increasing political engagement and activism, favors Harris's policies and vision for the future. Her focus on climate change, social justice, and economic equality resonates strongly with younger voters, who are poised to play a crucial role in the upcoming election.
As Harris continues to build momentum, her campaign will likely leverage this support to galvanize a broader coalition of voters. The significant lead over Trump in the younger demographic could prove decisive as the election approaches, highlighting the growing influence of Gen Z in shaping the future of American politics.