Gen Z to boomers: What does each generation care about?
The demographics of America have been shifting, with more Gen Z voters aging into voting age while the numbers of older generations are dwindling. Get The Facts takes a look at where each key generation stands on key issues and partisan politics.
The demographics of America have been shifting, with more Gen Z voters aging into voting age while the numbers of older generations are dwindling. Get The Facts takes a look at where each key generation stands on key issues and partisan politics.
The demographics of America have been shifting, with more Gen Z voters aging into voting age while the numbers of older generations are dwindling. Get The Facts takes a look at where each key generation stands on key issues and partisan politics.
From climate change to immigration to the economy, the presidential election of 2024 is sure to be decided around several big-ticket issues. Whether each generation decides to vote, who they cast their ballots for and what issues speak to them the most will impact the outcome.
Since the midterm elections in 2022, voters' priorities have shifted slightly. The ongoing and evolving conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have affected voters' views heading into the presidential election. In December 2023, foreign policy issues were mentioned by 60% of voters as important, compared to 41% in December 2022. Economy, inflation, climate change and reproductive rights remained as top priorities for voters. When it comes to how people view these issues, age group plays a big role.
Post-war (1928-1945)
This generation is the oldest in the U.S., born between 1928 and 1945. Their upbringing was defined by the post-WWII boom in property and business, as well as the McCarthy-era red scare. They care more than other generations about national security and foreign policy and are the most approving of former President Donald Trump.
Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
Baby Boomers are one of the largest groups of the American population, with 76 million members. They were massively affected by the Vietnam War and consequently became a very political group. The Woodstock festival and anti-war protests were followed by a cultural and business boom from the likes of Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Oprah. They have a high turnout rate and are slightly Republican leaning as a group.
Gen X (1965-1980)
This generation of 65 million were the first to grow up with cable TV widely available, and were actually also called the MTV generation. They lived through the end of the Cold War, the AIDS epidemic and the war on drugs, making them more cynical than others. This generation actually gives President Joe Biden the lowest approval rate, with 52% voting Republican in the midterms.
Millennials (1980-1996)
This generation represents another large group of the American electorate, with 72 million members. Their defining moments were 9/11, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the 2008 recession. They’re a very liberal group with a high voter turnout, with 56% voting Democrat in the midterms.
Gen Z (1996-2012)
This group is even more liberal and diverse than millennials. They’re the first digital natives and have grown up with key issues of the climate crisis, threats to democracy and international conflict. In the midterms, 77% voted Democrat.
Since the 2022 midterms, eight million more Gen Zers have become eligible to vote. This highly liberal and politically active group has the potential to change the political landscape for elections to come.