Democrats have a young men problem—and it’s bigger than most people want to admit.
For years, young voters were a cornerstone of the Democratic coalition. But in 2024, something shifted, especially among young men.
While young women supported Kamala Harris by 17 points (58%-41%), young men went for Donald Trump by 14 points (56%-42%). That’s a 31-point gender gap among voters ages 18-29, and a flashing red warning sign for the party’s future.
In his latest op-ed in The Messina Memo, Jim argues this isn’t a branding problem that can be solved with better social media, a few more podcasts, or hiring a “bro translator.” It’s deeper than that.
Too many young men believe Democrats are hostile to the apps they use, the communities they’ve built, and the ways they’re trying to get ahead—from TikTok and gaming spaces to crypto and sports betting. And when Democrats keep saying “no,” young men don’t just feel like we’re judging the things they like; they feel like we’re judging them.
Politics is relational. If one party celebrates and the other critiques, don’t be surprised who winds up earning their audience’s trust.
The answer isn’t to abandon consumer protections or stop regulating emerging industries. It’s to regulate without condescension and to actually listen.
Read the full op-ed and let us know what you think.
Photo Credit: “Make America Great Again” by James McNellis on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)