Young Virginia Voters Propel Democrats Down-Ballot to Historic Victories
Extensive long-term outreach focused on issues played a vital role in increasing youth voter turnout on Tuesday
Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday night, Democrats across the state of Virginia were propelled to victory by extraordinary youth vote turnout. NextGen PAC mobilized thousands of young people ahead of Election Day to turnout on the issues most important to them. This strategic and consistent youth engagement that centered on issue-organizing resulted in the Democratic vote share increasing by over 10 points from 2021 on nearly all of the nine college campuses NextGen organized on.
On the nine campuses NextGen organized on, total youth turnout surpassed 2021 levels, with some campuses showing double-digit growth. At William and Mary, youth turnout grew by 34% from 2021, and at James Madison University, turnout grew by an astounding 41% from 2021.
Data provided by Virginia Secretary of State
On Virginia Tech’s campus, where in 2023 House Delegate candidate for District 41 Lily Franklin narrowly lost to Republican Chris Obenshain, youth turnout grew by 8% from 2023, ultimately delivering a victory for Lily Franklin in this year’s contest. Youth voter turnout in House District’s 34 and 71, where NextGen’s team also organized, saw double-digit youth vote increases from 2023 levels.
Data provided by Virginia Secretary of State
“Yesterday’s election is a referendum on what happens when you educate, engage, and empower young people to show up on the issues most important to them,” NextGen PAC Interim President Victoria Yang said. “NextGen was able to build trust on college campuses and talk to young people about the affordability crisis, healthcare, and reproductive rights, helping them connect the dots between these issues and the candidates’ policy platforms. This work resulted in historic turnout levels. When you invest in young people, they deliver progressive victories.”
“I’m deeply grateful to NextGen for their partnership and their work on youth engagement on campus,” Virginia’s District 41 House Delegate-Elect Lily Franklin said. “NextGen’s support pushed us across the finish line last night. As the first major election after 2024, the message from young people is unmistakable – they seek leadership that unites, not divides, and that stands up for a future worth fighting for.”
NextGen organizers closed out their ongoing work in the state with an extensive push on Election Day to help deliver record-breaking youth turnout. On November 4 alone, NextGen PAC organizers and volunteers called and texted 188,000 young voters, knocked on over 12,000 doors, and helped thousands of students complete same day voter registrations
The historic youth turnout in Virginia is not an anomaly. Across the country, from New York’s mayoral race, New Jersey’s gubernatorial election, and many more, young people showed up and responded to a message of affordability and holding billionaires and corporations accountable. In polling NextGen conducted in April, it was clear that young people care deeply about these issues and want to see their leaders take action. Ahead of 2026, it is essential to recognize the power of a year-round program that’s data-backed, issue-forward campaigns and messaging instead of relying on singular candidates or political parties to carry support. Despite dislike for both political parties, young people want to see action and are ready to show up when they have the tools and resources to make their voices heard.
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About NextGen PAC
NextGen PAC’s mission is to empower young voters to engage in elections and ensure our government is responsive to the largest and most diverse generation in American history. We invite 18-to-29 year olds into our democracy to ensure our government works for them and to find new solutions to the dire challenges facing our country. NextGen PAC fights for a progressive future by growing and wielding the grassroots political power of young people on the ground and online.