Young Texas voters energized by Kamala Harris, engage in presidential race

Excitement Among Young Voters Surges with Harris’ Candidacy

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Kaylee Caudle, a 19-year-old sophomore at Rice University, experienced a shift in energy surrounding the upcoming election. Being eligible to vote for the first time in a presidential election, she initially found it challenging to feel enthusiastic about the candidates. However, everything changed when she encountered the plethora of memes circulating on social media surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris.

The viral content, coupled with Harris’ groundbreaking position as the first Black woman and South Asian presidential nominee, ignited a newfound sense of excitement and engagement among young voters like Caudle. The evolution of Harris’ campaign tone, as well as the innovative social media strategies employed by her team, resonated profoundly with this demographic.

This surge in enthusiasm is particularly significant considering the potential impact of Gen Z voters on the electoral landscape. With Texas boasting a youthful population demographic and an increasing number of young voters registering, the influence of this cohort on the outcome of elections is becoming more pronounced.

While support for Harris is strong among young Democrats, opinions vary among young conservatives. The emergence of Harris on the political scene has catalyzed discussions on critical issues such as reproductive rights, gun violence, and foreign policy, prompting young voters to carefully evaluate their alignment with various candidates.

Arshia Papari poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at UT’s campus in Austin. The rising Sophomore is majoring in Government, and currently works to get Democratic voters more involved in upcoming elections. Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune

While some young voters remain undecided or are exploring alternative options such as supporting third-party candidates, the heightened engagement and discourse sparked by Harris’ candidacy underscore the profound impact of her presence in the political arena.

As the 2024 elections draw nearer, the dynamic interplay between Harris and young voters continues to shape the narrative of civic engagement and electoral participation among the next generation of voters.

Disclosure: Rice University, Texas Southern University – Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Houston have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune.

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