The 2024 election showcased notable generational shifts in voter behavior, according to initial exit polls. Republicans gained ground with younger voters, particularly Gen X and Gen Z, while Democrats saw less support from these groups compared to 2020. In contrast, Boomers shifted slightly leftward, defying typical age-related trends.
Gen Z, who heavily favored President Joe Biden in the last election, leaned more toward conservative values this time, possibly influenced by economic concerns and targeted social media engagement. Republicans focused their outreach efforts on Gen Z, utilizing popular online platforms and personalities that resonate with younger audiences. Former CBS News President Andrew Heyward noted that Trump successfully adapted his campaign for these digital spaces, especially through appearances on widely viewed podcasts and video platforms.
Gen X also demonstrated a significant rightward shift, with nine points more support for Trump than in 2020. Polls indicated that Gen X disapproves of President Joe Biden more than any other generation, often citing economic pressures, retirement insecurity, and the financial challenges of caring for both children and aging parents as reasons for their discontent.
Meanwhile, Millennials and Boomers exhibited less drastic shifts. Millennials saw a slight move to the right but still leaned Democratic overall. Surprisingly, Boomers, a group often associated with conservatism, moved left, resulting in an even split between Democratic and Republican support. Analysts suggest that the older demographic’s shift could be influenced by gender disparities, with a higher number of Democratic-leaning women compared to men in this age group.
Political experts say these shifts reflect changing generational identities and priorities. As younger voters increasingly identify with conservatism, the GOP’s focus on social media strategies may be successfully aligning with the evolving concerns of younger Americans.