This presidential election cycle is the most consequential in modern history and young Black voters are shaping political discourse.
Representing a significant portion of the electorate, Black Americans under 35 have become an increasingly vocal and influential group. Their concerns and expectations can shape the country’s direction in this historic moment.
The political and cultural environment has affected young Black voters’ turnout. In 2008, young Black voters made history by electing the nation’s first Black president, Barack Obama, in record numbers. According to the Pew Research Center, Black voters between 18 and 29 cast more ballots that year than any other racial group in the same age range. Obama’s message of hope and optimism struck a strong chord with young people, who viewed him as a reflection of their hopes for change.
The Democratic Party wanted to revive the same enthusiasm in 2024 by nominating Kamala Harris. Should she win, she would be the first woman of color to serve as president. However, the fervor surrounding Obama’s historic win has proven difficult to sustain over time. Black voters of the younger generation are facing a number of urgent concerns that they believe neither party has sufficiently addressed.
Both candidates have attempted to capitalize on young people’s enthusiasm. Trump has made campaign stops at restaurants and connected with social media influencers and podcasters. At the same time, Harris has tapped into popular radio and television programs, recreating an advertisement inspired by the Pop the Balloon dating show, among other creative strategies.
During an election watch party hosted by Emerging 100 Houston, Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, and the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, several Black professionals expressed having high expectations of whatever candidate America chooses to lead the country.
“Things felt more hopeful in 2008,” said Houston resident ChiChi Iwuorie. “Now, people my age are more disillusioned. We’re still fighting the same fights—student debt, job insecurity, and climate change. It’s a critical and pivotal moment… this is like a make-or-break. Are we trying to see change, or are we trying to stay the same?”
What issues should the President focus on?
Kierra Johnson, Collegiate 100 chapter president at Texas Southern University, has worked tirelessly with other chapters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and predominately white institutions nationwide to educate and encourage young people to vote.
Johnson said body autonomy is a key issue that is a high priority in voters’ minds.
“I’ve seen some women who have died from not getting the proper care or not being able to get those abortions and some people have unfortunate circumstances. Some people have been raped or assaulted, or some people’s bodies can’t hold a child,” she said. “When it comes to women’s health…a man shouldn’t tell me how to run my body if he’s not in my shoes.”
Despite frustrations, young Black voters remain committed to making their voices heard in this election. A key issue on their minds is student debt, which continues to burden millions of young Americans. Many seek the next president to provide meaningful solutions, whether through loan forgiveness or reforms that make higher education more affordable for future generations.
“I’m not looking for promises that won’t be kept,” said a 26-year-old first-time voter, Destiny Tilson. “I want a plan. Student debt is crushing our generation, so is climate change and abortion rights. It’s harder for us to build a life when that weighs us down.”
Job security and fair wages also remain at the forefront of concerns for young Black voters. Many entered the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and experienced the ongoing economic uncertainty firsthand. As they look to the next administration, they want opportunities for dignified work that offers survival and growth.
“Jobs that pay a living wage and provide healthcare should be the baseline,” said Billy Pinkston, a student in Houston. “I’m looking for policies that protect workers and uplift communities of color, not just big corporations.”
Another priority for young Black voters is police reform. Calls for systemic change have grown louder in recent years, particularly after the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans. Young voters want a leader who will take concrete steps to address police brutality and reallocate public spending to programs that uplift Black communities.
“We need leaders who actually listen to us,” said local hairstylist Kenya Metters. “Reforming how our communities are policed isn’t something we can wait another decade for. We need change now.”
Regardless of who wins, young Black voters are making it clear that they will no longer be overlooked. With around 8.3 million newly eligible voters participating in their first presidential election, this group could be the key to deciding the country’s future.
“I’m excited but cautious,” Houston resident Joice Crawford said. “We’ve been let down before, but we’ve also seen what we can do when we come together. No matter what happens, our issues must stay front and center, and that’s what we will keep fighting for.”
