Gen Z Women Embrace Leftist Politics Amid Social Concerns

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut — Emily Gardiner began to engage with politics at the young age of 15 in 2016, during a time that energized many young Americans. Now 23, Gardiner, a library assistant, identifies as leftist rather than liberal, emphasizing Indigenous values of sovereignty. “I think for a lot of us who identify as leftist versus liberal, we feel that both the Democrats and the Republicans have kind of capitulated in a way to authoritarianism,” she said.

Gardiner’s sentiments highlight a notable shift among Gen Z women, who represent the most left-wing demographic in recent U.S. history. A national poll found that only 26% of Gen Z women support President Trump’s performance, contrasting sharply with 47% of Gen Z men, and a national average approval of 43%.

Lily, 24, from North Carolina, works in legal services and sees a clear gender divide in political thought among her peers. “A lot of men of my age group I’ve noticed are more right-leaning,” she said. This, she believes, can be attributed to how political issues impact women more directly, emphasizing that women engage with politics for their health and safety.

Rebecca J, a 26-year-old from Washington D.C. who identifies as trans, also expressed the urgent need for political engagement, stating, “I’m trans. So politics has always kind of been in my life.” Raised in a conservative family, she describes herself as a socialist and focuses on economic conditions. “People are so overwhelmed just getting food on the table,” she explained, suggesting that it distracts them from critical issues like affordability and economic justice.

Research indicates that Gen Z is less convinced than older generations about the promise of meritocracy. Many young people are moving away from identifying strictly as Democrats or liberals, feeling that those terms no longer align with their beliefs. Rachel, a 26-year-old office worker from Michigan, said, “‘Liberal’ is used to describe the Democrats, and I’m much further left to the point that I don’t want to be considered under the same umbrella.”

For many, such as Lily, issues like reproductive rights and economic inequality remain paramount. “We’re passionate, but disappointed in our party,” she noted, advocating for a more progressive direction within the Democratic Party. Social media also plays a significant role in shaping these political views, especially among younger generations.

As this trend continues, many Gen Z women assert that they do not see compromise or moderation as a viable option but rather as a peril during uncertain times. “Both parties are in the pockets of billionaires,” Gardiner summarized, reflecting the frustration and discontent felt by her generation.