The 2024 election revealed notable generational shifts in voting behavior, challenging some common assumptions about each generation’s political leanings. Preliminary exit polls showed a significant swing to the right among Gen X and Gen Z, while millennials leaned slightly less Democratic than before, and baby boomers displayed a small movement toward the Democrats.
Gen Z, traditionally viewed as progressive, shifted rightward, favoring Vice President Kamala Harris by 11 points, down from a 24-point preference for Biden in 2020. Republicans also gained traction with Gen X, who moved 9 points toward Trump compared to their narrow preference for him in 2020. Millennials showed a more modest shift, backing Harris by one point—five points less than their 2020 support for Biden. Notably, boomers were the only group to trend slightly Democratic, turning their 2020 pro-Trump lean into a 50-50 split between the candidates.
The reasons for Gen Z’s shift include economic concerns and a targeted GOP media strategy, which leveraged online influencers and digital platforms popular among younger audiences. Former CBS News President Andrew Heyward noted that Trump’s adaptability with social media allowed him to reach Gen Z through podcasts and social media channels like TikTok, giving Republicans a cultural edge with younger voters.
Gen X’s shift rightward is partly attributed to their discontent with economic issues. According to polling, Gen Xers are the least likely generation to feel financially secure, as many face challenges balancing the care of both children and aging parents. Their economic anxieties about retirement and home ownership may have increased their receptivity to Trump’s messaging.
The situation with baby boomers appears more complex. Some analysts, like Georgetown University’s Jason Brennan, suggest that demographic factors might explain their Democratic shift, as the male boomer population—historically more conservative—faces declining numbers compared to female boomers, who tend to lean Democratic.
These generational shifts highlight a dynamic 2024 electoral landscape, where traditional voting patterns are evolving amid changing economic and social conditions.