In a remarkable political development, Pew Research has unveiled data suggesting a notable shift to the right among Generation Z voters in the United States. Once considered a solidly progressive demographic, Americans aged 18 to 29 have displayed a surprising pivot toward Republican alignment.
In 2023, Pew reported that a majority of Gen Z men (62%) and women (65%) identified as Democrats or leaned Democratic. In contrast, only 36% of men and 30% of women within this age group aligned with or leaned toward the Republican Party. This alignment with progressive politics seemed consistent with the broader generational trend at the time.
However, by 2025, these figures have undergone a significant transformation. Pew data now shows that 52% of Gen Z men identify as Republicans or lean Republican—a striking 16-point surge over two years. Among Gen Z women, Republican identifiers or leaners have risen to 37%, marking a 7-point increase since 2023.
This shift represents a dramatic reversal of the political narrative that analysts and commentators had previously taken for granted, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 election cycle. During this period, Gen Z was at the forefront of left-leaning activism, advocating for racial justice movements like Black Lives Matter and endorsing strict public health measures. Social media was awash with young voices championing progressive causes, from posting black squares in support of BLM to promoting COVID-19 vaccination and expressing admiration for figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The current narrative, however, tells a different story. The Daily Caller has highlighted how, within a mere two-year span, a substantial segment of young voters, particularly men, have redefined their political identity. The new Pew figures indicate that Gen Z men now lean more Republican than even Baby Boomers, challenging long-held expectations about generational politics.
The data also reveals a broader conservative trend among other age groups. Millennial and Generation X men (ages 30 to 49) have seen an increase in Republican identification, from 47% in 2023 to 51% in 2025. While less dramatic than the Gen Z shift, it points to a wider movement toward the political right among American men.
Interestingly, the only demographic group that became more Democratic between 2023 and 2025 was men over the age of 65. The Pew study did not delve into the reasons behind these shifts, but some commentators have speculated that factors such as age-related changes in priorities or social attitudes may play a role.
The focal point of this political realignment remains on Gen Z—a generation that, until recently, was hailed as the most progressive in American history. The rapid change in political alignment suggests a deeper and potentially enduring re-evaluation of political values among young Americans.
