A growing sentiment within the Republican party suggests a strategic shift is needed to connect with younger voters, particularly Generation Z. While energy was high at the first-ever Republican midterm convention in Dallas, a prominent voice from Gen Z argues that the party's current approach of labeling Democrats as 'communists' is insufficient. Instead, the focus should be on presenting tangible solutions to issues that directly impact young Americans.
Brilyn Hollyhand, a 20-year-old conservative, contends that while the Democratic agenda may be collectivist, simply calling it communism fails to resonate with a generation that isn't deeply engaged in political theory. She believes Democrats are currently more effective at winning over young voters with promises and policies related to subsidized housing, student debt relief, and climate initiatives, even if they are not entirely honest or sustainable.
"If our answer is just 'they’re communists,' we lose the people who never took a political theory class and never will," Hollyhand wrote in an opinion piece. "They hear the word, shrug, and go back to the pitch that sounds like relief."
The call is for Republicans to offer more than just criticism of the opposing party. Hollyhand emphasizes the need for concrete proposals that address concerns such as job availability, affordable housing, energy costs, educational reform, and public safety. She notes that some of these counteroffers have begun to emerge, including tax relief that impacts paychecks, measurable border enforcement, and a focus on energy abundance.
Republicans have a record of policy achievements that could be leveraged, according to Hollyhand. These include tax cuts on tips and overtime, Social Security tax relief for seniors, the Working Families Tax Cuts, an end to catch-and-release border policies, and funding for border infrastructure. Additionally, initiatives like "Trump Accounts" aim to help young people start saving, and energy leasing policies have been reinstated. The argument is that this record needs to be communicated more effectively to younger demographics.
Hollyhand suggests that former President Donald Trump should take the energy from events like the Dallas convention directly to college campuses and young voter gatherings. The proposed strategy involves presenting two key messages: first, a list of past promises kept, such as tax cuts, border security improvements, and energy policies; and second, an outline of what Gen Z still needs, including attainable housing, lower utility bills, dignified trade and apprenticeship programs, more affordable and ideologically diverse colleges, job opportunities based on merit, and safer cities.
"They sell cancellation, panic, and belonging. We should sell keys, hours, watts, and a wage," Hollyhand stated. "My generation has already heard the word communist. What we have not heard enough is a deal."