Generation Z prevents red sweep

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(Dulaney Griffin/The Associated Press)

Cassie Weymouth, Editor-in-Chief
December 19, 2022

A red wave? That didn’t even reach the shore? That sums up the races for control of the House of Representatives and Senate. The Republican party, also referred to as the GOP, miscalculated what they thought would be a huge win in both the House and Senate. 

The GOP expected a sweep in the House of Representatives, however, they gained a majority by only two, winning 220 seats. Reporters and officials alike scrambled to conclusions on how this happened. Though they generally expected the House to be flooded by red, the GOP appears to be divided on who’s to blame. Those like Paul Ryan, the former Trump supporter, accuse Trump for their losses. However, Trump himself blamed Mitch McConnell for the disappointment.

While Republicans had lower expectations for the Senate, they still expected to gain control; yet, many hopes were dashed when Democrats flipped a Senate seat in Pennsylvania. In fact, these midterm elections could be considered a huge success for President Biden as the opposing party typically expects to make large gains in both Senate and House. They made large gains in neither.

Democrats now have control of the Senate as Georgia just had a run-off election with Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock reaching 50% and being announced the winner by Associated Press. 

A large reason for this, beyond the accusatory fingers pointed at both Trump and McConell, is Generation Z (Gen Z). It seemed that pollers underestimated the sheer number of Gen Z that would exercise their right to vote. Gen Z are primarily focused on social issues largely in support of a women’s right to govern her own reproductive choices, environmental policy and stricter gun laws. All things the GOP has either not spoken out about or is largely not in support of. 

As the most racially and ethnically diverse generation to date, along with more exposure to school shootings and pressing climate issues, Gen Z typically aligns with Democratic ideals. Not to mention, when it comes to campaigning, many candidates on both sides miss the mark, as the younger generation is more likely to check social media platforms such as, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, than they are cable TV. This is certainly something to take into account considering that within the next decade, tens of thousands of Gen Z will be able to vote.