It seems like from the moment they were born, Gen Zers have been told that they were going to change the world. And now that they’re growing up, stepping into power, and taking matters into their own hands, they actually are. Just look at the Gen Zers who won seats in the 2026 election for proof.
This was a huge year for Gen Zers in politics. According to Future Caucus, the largest bipartisan organization for Gen Z and millennial lawmakers in the U.S., more than 100 candidates under the age of 29 filed to run for Congress in this election cycle — and that doesn’t even begin to cover the countless young candidates who ran on the state and local level. As of Nov. 6, some races have yet to be called, but there are already tons of young people who are getting ready to represent Gen Z when they’re sworn into office in 2027.
Below, Her Campus speaks with seven newly elected (or reeleected) Gen Zers on the heels of their big midterm wins to find out how they’re feeling about the results, what they plan to accomplish in office, and how they hope to inspire other members of their generation.
What does this win mean to you, as a Gen Zer?
Katelyn Zach, Missouri House of Representatives: This win means so much to me. In Jefferson City, Gen Z and other generations have been underrepresented. I’m thrilled to be able to bring a voice to the Capitol for communities that haven’t had good representation. I had a lot of people tell me throughout this race that they thought Gen Z is lazy and doesn’t have motivation to do anything. And … we proved them wrong. So many Gen Z candidates won across the country, and many of those results [weren’t even] close. I am ready and fired up to bring some real representation back to the people of Missouri House District 133, and to prove how motivated and how much change Gen Z can make if given the opportunity.Â
Amber Hulse, South Dakota State Senate: To me, this victory is proof that our generation doesn’t have to wait its turn to make a difference. Young people bring perspectives that are often missing from the rooms where decisions are made. I’m proud to represent a rural district in South Dakota and to show other young women that you don’t have to fit the traditional mold of a politician to have a seat at the table.
What’s Your Main Focus Now that it’s time to get to work?
Reed Krewson, Kansas House of Representatives: As the youngest Rep-elect of the Kansas Legislature, I know my generation will live with the decisions made in Topeka long after others have moved on. My focus is on protecting our land and water, working to solve the problems we will face in our lifetimes, not just the next election.
Fabian Doñate, Nevada State Senate: My focus is building an economy where young Nevadans can afford to stay and build a life here, including the friends that I grew up with in Vegas. That means diversifying our economy, lowering the cost of housing and health care, and making sure the next generation of workers has a seat at the table while we take back control of our government.
What Do You Hope Young People Learn From Your Successful Campaign?
Ismael Luna, Wisconsin State Assembly: Young people don’t need permission to lead. Our community clean-ups started with five neighbors and a few trash bags. Nobody asked us to do it. We showed up, and then the community showed up with us. That’s what I want young people to learn: start where you are, show up for the people around you, and don’t wait for someone to hand you a seat at the table. A kid who was homeless at 14 just won an election in the neighborhood that raised him. If I can do it, you can too.
Jonathan Karlen, Montana House of Representatives: There are so many ways to serve your community — whether in the private sector, nonprofit organizations, or government — and I believe young people bring important perspectives to solving the tough problems we face. In the Montana House, some of the most rewarding work I’ve been part of has involved finding common ground with legislators across the political spectrum, generations, and personal backgrounds to serve our constituents.
MJ Shannon, Connecticut House of Representatives: I want young people to understand that being a young candidate is a strength, not a weakness. Throughout my campaign, going door to door and talking with constituents, I heard a clear desire for change and a willingness to embrace new voices and perspectives. I hope my campaign shows young people that they have a place in government and that their energy, ideas, and experiences are needed. We need to build on this momentum, encourage more young people to run for office, and show that our generation can help shape the future of our communities and our country.