Vice President Kamala Harris has surged ahead in a new poll, revealing a commanding 12-point lead over former President Donald Trump among voters under the age of 35. The CNN survey, conducted by SSRS, places Harris at 52% support within this critical voting bloc, compared to Trump’s 40%. This sizable lead indicates strong backing for Harris among younger voters, a demographic that has proven increasingly pivotal in U.S. elections.
The poll results highlight a generational shift in political preferences, with younger voters favoring progressive policies and diverse leadership. Harris’s appeal seems to stem from her focus on issues like climate change, social justice, and economic equality—topics that resonate deeply with the under-35 demographic. In contrast, Trump’s messaging appears to have a more limited impact on this younger generation.
Female Voters Propel Harris Ahead in the Polls
Breaking down the numbers further, Kamala Harris enjoys significant support from female voters under 35, with 53% backing her compared to 39% for Donald Trump. This 14-point advantage among women underscores Harris’s ability to connect with female voters, many of whom are drawn to her history-making role as the first female vice president and her advocacy for women’s rights and equality.
Trump’s struggles with female voters in this age group have persisted throughout his political career, and this latest poll reinforces the gender gap. Women under 35 have consistently favored more progressive candidates, and Harris’s policies on reproductive rights, healthcare, and equal pay seem to resonate strongly with this demographic.
Kamala Harris Dominates Among Voters Under 30
Among voters under the age of 30, Kamala Harris holds an even more commanding lead. According to the CNN survey, 55% of voters under 30 support Harris, while only 38% back Trump. This 17-point lead suggests that Harris’s messaging aligns well with the youngest voters, many of whom are more concerned about social and environmental issues than older generations.
The poll also highlights a stark contrast in voter motivation. Trump supporters under 30 are 10 points less likely than Harris supporters to describe themselves as “extremely motivated” to vote. This enthusiasm gap could prove crucial in upcoming elections, as younger voters are increasingly becoming a decisive factor in national outcomes.
Young Voters View Trump’s Presidency as a Failure
One of the most striking findings from the CNN poll is that 57% of voters under 35 believe Donald Trump’s presidency was a failure—a higher percentage than in any other age group. This assessment reflects a broader disillusionment among young people with Trump’s policies and leadership style, particularly on issues like climate change, racial justice, and immigration.
This negative view of Trump’s presidency is likely a key factor driving support for Kamala Harris among younger voters. Her association with the Biden administration and its focus on progressive issues has positioned her as a preferable alternative to Trump, particularly for voters who felt disenfranchised during his time in office.
Favorable Ratings: Harris Outpaces Trump Among Young Voters
Kamala Harris also holds a favorable rating advantage among young registered voters. According to the poll, 47% of young voters view Harris favorably, compared to just 34% for Trump. This 13-point gap further illustrates the generational divide in political preferences, with younger voters leaning toward candidates who represent change and diversity.
The unfavorable ratings for Trump among young voters highlight the challenges he faces in regaining their support. Many young voters associate Trump with policies and rhetoric that they see as divisive and out of touch with the issues they care about most. In contrast, Harris’s favorability is bolstered by her efforts to address issues like student loan debt, healthcare reform, and climate action.
Trump’s Impact on the Republican Party’s Image Among Youth
The CNN poll also reveals that 51% of young voters believe Donald Trump has worsened their view of the entire Republican Party. This suggests that Trump’s influence has had a long-lasting negative effect on the GOP’s standing with younger generations, many of whom feel alienated by his leadership style and policy positions.
In contrast, only 35% of young voters say that Kamala Harris has negatively affected their view of the Democratic Party. This disparity indicates that while both parties face challenges in appealing to younger voters, the Republican Party may face a steeper uphill battle in overcoming the negative perceptions associated with Trump’s presidency. Harris’s role in the Democratic Party seems to be helping retain support from younger voters who are looking for progressive, inclusive leadership.
