Young men in the United States, once seen as a solidly Democratic voting bloc, have increasingly shifted their political allegiance to the right. This change comes at a time when their economic prospects have been declining, particularly for those without a college degree. The shift reflects broader anxieties about the economy, social roles, and cultural expectations, leading many to reconsider their political beliefs.
For David Tasker, an 18-year-old construction worker from Pennsylvania, financial stability is a key concern. His top priorities are affording gas, dining out, and treating his girlfriend. Like many young men today, Tasker feels the sting of rising prices due to inflation. As a result, for his first vote, he plans to cast his ballot for former President Donald Trump, believing Trump’s business-oriented approach could improve the economic outlook. “Trump can run America like a business,” Tasker said, contrasting Trump with Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he views as overly focused on ideological rather than practical matters.
This shift in political allegiance among young men like Tasker reflects a broader trend. According to pollsters and social scientists, the economic challenges facing young men are reshaping their views. A generation ago, men in this age group overwhelmingly supported the Democratic Party. But today, more are identifying as Republicans or independents, reflecting frustration with economic stagnation and diminished opportunities, especially for those without college degrees.
Economic Decline and Masculinity
Dan Cox, director of the Survey Center on American Life, has studied young adults’ political and economic views. He notes that the current generation of young men faces a significantly worse economic picture than previous generations. “These traditional norms around masculinity—being a provider, a husband—are wrapped up in economic success,” Cox explained. When that economic success becomes unattainable, it challenges young men’s sense of identity and worth.
Research from the Pew Research Center shows that young men without college degrees are earning less, when adjusted for inflation, than their counterparts in previous generations. Additionally, they are less likely to hold full-time jobs. Meanwhile, young women are making notable economic strides. A larger share of women aged 25 to 34 are working full-time today than in previous decades, and the gap between male and female earnings has been shrinking. Nearly half of young women have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to only 37% of young men.
Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, believes that this economic decline is contributing to a broader sense of cultural and social dislocation among young men. “It’s a very painful transition between traditional expectations for men and the economic reality on the ground,” Reeves said. This disconnect between expectations and reality may be a factor behind rising suicide rates and substance abuse among young men.
Political Shifts
These economic struggles are increasingly driving young men to reconsider their political allegiances. Data from the Harvard Institute of Politics shows that only 33% of men aged 18 to 29 now identify as Democrats, down from 42% in 2020. By contrast, a majority of young women in this age group still lean toward the Democratic Party, with 70% supporting Vice President Harris.
Former President Donald Trump has tapped into these frustrations, positioning himself as a champion of working-class men. His promises to bring back manufacturing jobs and reduce inflation resonate with many young men who feel left behind by the current economy. Trump’s rhetoric emphasizes traditional masculine ideals, a message that appeals to some men facing economic struggles and shifting gender roles.
In contrast, the Biden administration and Harris have rolled out policies aimed at helping young working-class men. These include infrastructure investments, incentives for electric vehicle and semiconductor manufacturing, and proposals to support young men through programs like startup seed money and down payment assistance for homebuyers. Despite these efforts, researchers suggest that many young men feel overlooked by the Democratic Party, which they perceive as focusing more on issues affecting women and LGBTQ+ communities.
Reeves argues that this sense of alienation among young men is a significant factor in their political shift. “I see and hear that young men don’t feel welcome on the left,” he said. This disconnect, he suggests, reflects a failure by the Democratic Party to address the unique challenges young men face today.
Economic Concerns Dominate
For many young men, like 18-year-old Sam Lilly from Pennsylvania, economic concerns are paramount. Lilly, a high school student and restaurant worker, worries about gas prices and other financial pressures. Gas prices have fallen from their peak in mid-2022 but remain higher than they were before the pandemic. Lilly, who drives a truck, says gas prices have been a significant financial burden. “Gas is so expensive, it’s ridiculous,” he said.
Lilly also supports Trump, believing that the former president’s business acumen makes him a better candidate to handle the economy than Harris. “I think Trump would handle the economy better,” Lilly said, expressing doubts about Harris’ ability to lead effectively.
While young men like Lilly and Tasker are committed to voting, overall turnout among young men is historically low. Many may choose not to vote, or they may vote reluctantly, split between their dissatisfaction with the economy and their reservations about both political parties. “It’s not a done deal,” Cox said. “Trump will do better with young men than women, but he’s not going to win an overwhelming majority.”
Cultural Appeal
The Trump campaign has been working to appeal to ideals of masculinity, often emphasizing themes that resonate with young men, such as strength and independence. From appearances by cultural icons like Hulk Hogan at Republican events to targeted advertising in spaces popular with young men—like cryptocurrency and nicotine products—the campaign has worked to solidify its support among this demographic.
However, some prominent Democrats, like former President Barack Obama, have pushed back against these narratives. At a recent rally, Obama criticized the notion that Trump’s behavior, including bullying and insults, represents real strength. “That is not what real strength is,” Obama said, highlighting a different model of leadership for young men.
Future Uncertainty
The economic challenges young men face today are starkly different from those of previous generations. High rents, rising living costs, and stagnant wages have contributed to a delay in life milestones, such as marriage and parenthood. A growing number of young men continue to live at home with their parents, financially dependent on them as they struggle to make ends meet.
This precarious financial situation is shaping both their personal lives and their political choices, leading many to turn to the right as they seek solutions to an uncertain future. As the 2024 election approaches, how these young men vote—or whether they vote at all—remains a key factor in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
