NextGen America to Hold “Keeping Up With The Candidates” #YouthVote Events with Democratic Candidates Across the Country

Fundraisers will engage young voters and feature Democratic primary candidate debates

San Francisco, CA — Today, NextGen America announced that it will hold over 12 “Keeping Up With The Candidates” #YouthVote events with Democratic candidates across the country. These events will raise money for local organizations and allow young voters to engage with the candidates. Beginning in April, the “Keeping Up With The Candidates” events will offer an opportunity for candidates to articulate their beliefs in a debate-like setting on the issues that young voters care about like climate change, gun safety, immigration, and the cost of college. The first event will take place in the Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District on April 12th.

“We know that young voters are passionately progressive and informed on the issues, but they rarely have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running to represent them,” said NextGen America President Tom Steyer. “As millions of young people enter the political debate, they deserve a chance to be represented by elected officials who will address their concerns, discuss their ideas, and take action on the issues that affect their lives. In 2018, young voters will be critical in races across the country, and it is time progressive candidates pay attention to the youth vote.”

The events will take place between April and August in districts with competitive Democratic primaries, including PA-07, PA-05, VA-10, and CA-39, giving young voters the opportunity to distinguish between primary candidates. The events are fundraisers for local progressive organizations, and will be held at youth-centric venues like breweries and coffee shops. In PA-07, proceeds from the event will benefit the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center.

With young voters energized like never before, NextGen America is committed to amplifying their voices and giving them the tools and resources they need to build a nation and future that provides equal opportunity and justice for us all. In January, NextGen announced NextGen Rising, a $30 million program that is currently engaging, registering and turning out young voters across 10 states. With programs like NextGen Rising, the largest youth vote program in American history, NextGen is laying the groundwork for progressive change in every corner of the nation.