Presidential debates, speeches, and campaign trails have taken over the media. Opinions of everyone from Millennials to the Baby Boomer generation have been widely acknowledged in politics, but what about Gen Z? What are the focuses of this new generation of voters, and what are the candidates doing to accommodate those needs?
More than half of the interviewed students say that their top priority in the next year is to graduate and get into a good college without focusing on politics. However, many students with priorities in their education and focus on school also have a strong sense of politics. Some of the problems they lay out directly relate to the economy and the inability to afford simple things like groceries, let alone college.
This opinion of the economy comes from students associated with both political parties. One student said he wants “the dollar in [his] pocket to actually mean something.” Many students are exploring the possibility of off-campus housing while attending college and quickly realizing the economy is not open enough to allow a student to afford housing and loans.
While Republican students blame president Biden’s economic plan, or “Bidenomics” as referred to by one student, for the decline of the current economy, many Democratic students say this is the fallout of President Trump’s time in office and his “failed policies”. One student in a survey called for an “end to inflation and the failing economy brought about by Bidenomics.” This has caused a clear divide in Gen Z and the type of candidate they’re looking for. Republicans are looking for a candidate who will “undo” what Biden’s Presidency has brought about in the economy, while Democrats are seeking a candidate who will follow through with Biden’s plan. This is seen through every generation, nearly without fail. Students also acknowledge the controversial idea of religion in government.
With new and old policies coming to light, students and the older generations have begun to address the idea of religion in politics. While many republican voters call for a “Religious leader,” Democrats call for a Progressive one. The question arises of whether Republicans want a president or a pastor, whether Democrats want a president or an
advocate. This dispute between parties has caused the constitutional debate of the separation of Church and Government. Adding on to the common group, certain outliers in the survey take this discussion much further.
Phrases such as “Baby Murder” and “Evil sins” have brought about concern from the left as they have become a commonality within the Republican party. The phrase ‘Baby murder’ was repeated and brought up by 3 separate people in the sample of 18 Gen Z voters when referring to abortion rights. It is also important to point out that these three samples were written by male students who spoke about women’s reproductive system rights. However, 5 out of 7 teen girls interviewed called for Roe v. Wade rights to be implemented again and for the allowance of early-term abortions.
This divide has existed for generations, with the male-dominated population attempting to control the women of America, but times have changed. Women advocate for their rights in a way that they have never before, and candidates have realized that they now must appeal to this new generation of feminism. This shows not only the religious differences but also the gender-based differences in the opinions of both parties in the United States.
There is something, however, that differentiates this generation from all the others. That is their call for unity. Not only between neighbors but between political parties and politicians. 50% of students interviewed hope that there will be a rise in unity across the nation in the next four years. This call for unity is not saying that everyone should agree but that everyone must agree to stand alone. The call outlines the ability to not relate to either party, for each individual to stand on their own two feet and proudly disagree with both parties.
Gen Z hopes that in the coming years, each and every generation will realize that we’re members of the same nation, we have the same goals, and we need the same things. Sampled students call for certain traits in their ideal candidate: 
united, honest, optimistic, resilient, visionary, determined, progressive, inclusive, and more. This generation is seeking out a strong guiding hand. Someone who will hear the needs and concerns of every generation and will listen to them. Someone who will not discriminate against people based on their skin color, religion, political party, or sexuality. Gen Z wants an American candidate who stands united with each and every citizen and a candidate who prioritizes the constitutional rights of all people.
