Why Local Politics Matter More Than Ever in 2025
Although all the attention is on the federal elections, the local politics determine what affects your daily life, academia, commuting, living, and policing systems.
In 2025, boomers and millennials are no longer at the helm of the change. It is Gen Z, the generation in power, who are playing the long game.
Gen Z in Local Politics: Fast Stats
- 48% of Gen Z voters participated in local elections in 2024 (Pew Research)
- Over 800 Gen Z candidates ran for local office in 2023–24
- School boards and city councils are the most common entry points
What’s Driving Gen Z Into Local Office?
1. Issue-Based Activism
From climate change to mental health to racial equity, Gen Z isn’t interested in partisanship — they want real outcomes.
“I ran because our city had no mental health program in schools,”
says 22-year-old councilwoman Jada Brooks of Austin, TX.
2. Tech-Savvy Campaigning
Forget door-knocking. Gen Z campaigns rely on:
- TikTok explainers
- Instagram Q&As
- Livestreamed debates
- Discord servers for volunteers
This digital-first approach makes local politics accessible to youth audiences, not just retirees.
3. Decentralized Leadership
Gen Z prefers collaborative models over hierarchical systems. Many young officials are co-creating policy with constituents through:
- Participatory budgeting
- Slack-based policy input groups
- Citizen review boards
Real-World Example: Kayden Torres, 21, City Council Member – Portland, OR
- Elected in 2024
- Ran on a platform of public transit expansion, mental health access, and inclusive zoning
- Grew campaign via YouTube Shorts & Reddit town halls
- Now leads the city’s digital governance committee
Why it matters:
Young leaders are modernizing how cities operate, both technologically and culturally.
What This Means for Voters and Communities
If you think politics is just for older generations, think again.
Whether you agree with their policies or not, Gen Z is redefining what leadership looks like, and doing it from the ground up.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, ignoring your city council race could mean missing out on a future state legislator or even a senator. Want to see democracy evolve?
Start at your city hall, Gen Z already has.
FAQ
Why is Gen Z entering politics early?
Gen Z is deeply affected by issues like climate change, student debt, and mental health, and believes change starts locally, not just nationally.
What roles are Gen Z candidates winning?
School board seats, city council positions, local housing boards, and county commissions are common entry points.
How is Gen Z different in political style?
They focus less on ideology and more on outcomes. Tech-driven, collaborative, and often unaffiliated with major parties.
