In 2024, President Donald Trump won young men outright. Today, Democrats lead Republicans on the generic ballot among men ages 18 to 30, 57% to 40%.

Democrats are counting on young men to come crawling back out of frustration with Trump. They should be worried that these voters have given up on both parties.

The party out of power usually enjoys a turnout advantage in the midterm elections, and 2026 looks no different. The Harvard Youth Poll of Americans ages 18 to 29 found that 55% of young Democrats say they will "definitely" vote, compared with just 35% of young Republicans.

Republicans are losing their edge, but Democrats should be cautious

Trump promised to fix the economy, the top issue for young voters heading into 2024, and so far he has failed.

A plurality of young men name inflation and the cost of living, along with housing costs, as their top issues this November. Asked which policies would most improve their lives, young people chose lowering the cost of goods, lowering housing costs and cutting taxes.

The Iran war is another sore point for Gen Z adults.........

© USA TODAY