Youth voters played a decisive role in the 2025 New York City mayoral election, contributing to the city’s highest turnout since the 1960s. Voters younger than 45 made up about 43% of people who cast their ballots early or on election day.
The younger generation was instrumental in helping 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, secure a win on November 4. Many young voters were energized by his focus on affordability and livability, specifically his proposal to freeze the rent. Social media also played a key role in Mamdani’s outreach to his younger audience, with many perceiving him and his content as authentic and entertaining. According to Circle at Tufts University, 75% of youth voted for Mamdani, while just 19% voted for Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and 5% voted for Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
This outcome is part of a larger trend of increasing youth voting numbers. In the 2024 presidential election, 47% of people aged 18-29 cast a ballot, compared to 50% in 2020; these numbers represent a significant increase from the 39% recorded in 2016. Although general youth voter turnout has risen, there has been a drop for young Black and Latino men. This gap is likely due to the fact that youth of color more often experience financial struggles and have less access to civic learning opportunities. Financial difficulties were linked to lower youth voting rates in 2024.
The growing power of younger voters marks a major shift in the political landscape throughout the United States. With relevant issues like affordability, housing and the economy at the forefront of today’s elections, the younger generation is ensuring their voices will be heard. Whether this trend will continue depends on whether politicians’ campaigns continue to appeal to young people and whether they address the issues that are most crucial to them.
