Since Kansans voted overwhelmingly to ensure pregnant people have the individual freedom to make health care decisions aligned with their own beliefs, many across the political spectrum have rushed to consider how this historic vote will impact midterm races across the country. What few have discussed is the critical role Gen Z played in this victory and how harnessing this newest generation of voters will be integral to any campaign come November.

Sara Guillermo is the CEO of Oakland-based IGNITE, America's largest, most diverse organization devoted to young women's political leadership.  (Photo courtesy of IGNITE)
Sara Guillermo is the CEO of Oakland-based IGNITE, America’s largest, most diverse organization devoted to young women’s political leadership.  (Photo courtesy of IGNITE) 

Though many were surprised by this month’s vote, there were signs of this outcome all along, if you pay attention to young people. Over the past several months, historic numbers of young people registered to vote in the state because of the abortion amendment on the ballot. Nearly 50% of registered voters in the state turned out — almost double the normal turnout of primary elections, and in a non-presidential year no less.  

Of the many takeaways in this historic election, political players across the country should learn from this outcome and invest in young voters and potential voters — especially young women.  

What I predicted in May following the Supreme Court opinion leak still rings true: Threats to bodily autonomy will politically enrage and mobilize an entire generation of young women and their allies. For many Americans — including young people — this was a defining moment that galvanized them. We’re seeing this mobilization in action, with Kansas being the first test subject.  

Looking to November, we’re poised to see abortion bans potentially on the ballot in Michigan and Colorado, and Gen Z, those born after about 1996, could be the key to protecting access to reproductive rights at the state level. But reproductive justice isn’t the only issue that motivates young voters — not by a long shot. The climate crisis, gun violence, systemic racism and student debt are also major issues driving young voters to the polls, petitions and streets. 

As the CEO of a young women’s political leadership organization, I’ve spoken with hundreds of Gen Z’ers of various backgrounds and political persuasions. What I’ve learned — and what study after study shows — is that Gen Z is motivated by policies and issues rather than party. That, in part, explains why in such a red state, young Kansans mobilized en masse to ensure reproductive choice remained a protected right. It’s also why young people across the aisle are pushing to protect the climate and eliminate student debt.

Their loyalty does not lie with one party or another — they are turning out to vote because they see that the issues they care about are at stake and they are moved to act. We also know that Gen Z is more likely to cross the political aisle, especially concerning issues that directly impact their bodies, autonomy and future. Mark my words, we will see this in the midterms. 

Gen Z and Millennials are the fastest-growing portion of the electorate. Many of them are voting in their first elections, and some are even running for office. For anyone working on a campaign, whether for a candidate or a cause, it’s clear that making a concerted effort to mobilize Gen Z is critical to their success.  

Across the country and party lines, from every state and from any background, young women are speaking out, stepping up and making the decision to lead. Gen Z’s voting power cannot be underestimated, and there is no doubt in my mind they will be a transformational force at the ballot box this November.  

Sara Guillermo is the CEO of Oakland-based IGNITE, America’s largest, most diverse organization devoted to young women’s political leadership.