'We have a geriatric problem' - Democrats wrestle with age-old issue

The 2022 midterm elections showcased a demographic crisis within the Democratic Party

In the past four decades, the Democratic Party has undergone a subtle shift in the age distribution of its electorate. Once a comparatively youthful cohort, the party's core voter base has aged dramatically, with people aged 65 and over now making up more than 20% of Democratic voters. This demographic crisis has provoked a intense interparty debate over the best course of action to engage with younger people and win their votes.

The aging of the Democratic Party

This shift towards an older demographic has been steadily occurring since the 1990s. A comprehensive study by the Pew Research Centre found that in 1992, people under 30 made up 33% of the Democratic primary electorate. By 2020, this figure had plummeted to 23%. In contrast, the percentage of primary voters aged 65 and over has more than doubled over the same period, from 10% to 24%. The data reveals an unmistakable trend: the Democratic Party is aging, and fast.

The implications of this crisis

This demographic crisis has serious implications for the party's electoral success. Older Americans are reliably Democratic voters, but the pivotal youth vote is up for grabs. With the growing influence of Gen Z and Millennial voters, parties must adapt to engage with these emerging electorates. Without a focused strategy to regain the youth vote, the Democratic Party risks becoming a party of retirees, compromising its appeal to younger generations and jeopardizing its chances of winning future elections.

Strategies for renewal

Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, leading Democrats have embarked on various strategies to appeal to younger voters. Reviving the Youth Act, proposed by congressional candidate Eric King, seeks to empower younger people by prioritizing issues central to their experiences, such as student loan debt and climate change. Simultaneously, other candidates are leveraging social media platforms to connect with younger voters. Campaigns are utilizing viral marketing strategies and social media influencers to expand their reach and appeal to the next generation of voters. These innovative tactics reflect the changing landscape of political engagement and the growing importance of Generation Z and Millennial voters.