Gen Z candidates make up 4% of congressional field in 2026
A small but growing cohort of young conservatives seeks to reshape the GOP as the generation enters its prime voting years.
By Zoe Harrison ·
The 2026 congressional field includes a distinct wave of young candidates, though they remain a statistical minority.
According to a report from Future Caucus, 4% of congressional candidates nationwide are from Generation Z. This is the lowest percentage of any generation in this cycle. The organization noted that Gen Z candidates are the least likely group to advance past the primary stage.
Despite these odds, a new class of young Republicans is preparing to enter Congress. Joe Mitchell, a 29-year-old former state senator and real estate developer, is running for Iowa's second congressional district. The race is considered a tossup as voters show dissatisfaction with President Trump. Mitchell holds an endorsement from the president. If he wins, he will join a small group of Gen Z Republicans elected to the House.
Mitchell describes his platform as an anti-corruption measure. He proposes a six-term limit for House members and a ban on congressional stock trading. He has also rejected donations from corporate political action committees. Mitchell said he believes young people are frustrated with the political system regardless of their party affiliation.
Other young candidates are also positioned to win seats on Tuesday. Maxwell Frost, a 29-year-old Democrat from Florida, is currently the only Gen Z member of Congress. Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old Democratic socialist, is favored to win Colorado's first district. Michael Alfonso, a 26-year-old Republican, is expected to carry Wisconsin's seventh district. Alfonso is the son-in-law of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. He would become the first person born in the 2000s to serve in Congress if he is elected.
Conservative organizers are working to build a bench of young leaders. Adam Pennings, executive director of Run Gen Z, stated that the organization needs to prepare young people to lead when long-serving officials retire. Run Gen Z announced endorsements for more than 220 Gen Z and millennial conservatives in late October. This group includes candidates in safe districts and longshot races, such as Riley Owen in Utah's first district.
The definition of America First is a point of contention among young conservatives. Mitchell argues that the Republican Party should focus on how policies help the American people. He said this trend is emerging from younger candidates. The U.S. war with Iran has become a sore spot for Republicans in tough contests. Democrats are linking the conflict to rising costs. Mitchell has not opposed the war but stated that he does not support endless wars.
The generation is only just becoming eligible to serve. The oldest Gen Zers turn 30 next year. The House requires a minimum age of 25 for service. Future Caucus data shows that a majority of Gen Z candidates this year ran as Democrats. Under a third filed as Republicans. The remaining 16% selected a third party or did not affiliate with a major party.
