Ask an Expert: How can politicians best reach Gen Z?

ALBANY, N.Y (April 14, 2026) — Political Science Associate Professor Timothy Weaver, whose expertise focuses on urban policy and politics in the U.S., answers today’s question: How can politicians best reach Gen Z?

Weaver: For politicians to resonate with Gen Z, they need to do two things — develop a message that directly addresses Gen Z’s concerns and find an effective way to communicate that message. 

The first is by far the most important. Gen Z is bearing the brunt of the affordability crisis. Most in this generation struggle with the basics, including rent, car payments and affording groceries. Not surprisingly, they feel that the status quo is unfair and unsustainable. Therefore, politicians with concrete ideas about how to deliver change are likely to resonate. This is why politicians across the age divide, from Zohran Mamdani to Bernie Sanders, enjoy significant support from Gen Z voters.

The second element concerns a politician’s communication strategy. This involves connecting with Gen Z on the platforms they are most likely to engage with, from social media to podcasts. Speaking directly to the camera and having interactive “chats,” as AOC regularly does, is likely to be effective. However, simply using TikTok or appearing on popular podcasts will not work if politicians seem inauthentic. Trying too hard to be cool is likely to backfire. To effectively garner Gen Z support, politicians need to develop a resonant message and tailor their means of communication. 

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