It’s election season, and whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned pro, you’ve probably heard about how important the upcoming midterms are. Of course, we are still a couple of years away from the 2028 presidential election, but, this year, voters will still be choosing some of the most influential leaders in this country.
According to Her Campus’s 2026 election survey, Gen Z women are hoping for a big change. The survey, conducted in August 2026, included 374 respondents (96% women, 98% currently or formerly enrolled in college) and representation from 34 states across the U.S., with a mix of political affiliations: 57% Democrats, 11% Republicans, 11% Independents, 6% unsure, 6% with no party affiliation, 5% other affiliation, and 4% who chose not to say. Of this group, a whopping 81% said they’re dissatisfied with the current state of America’s political system and governance (up from 73% in 2024). And while the respondent pool certainly leans left, it’s not just Democrats who said they’re unhappy. Alongside the 98% of Dems who said they’re dissatisfied, 84% of non-Democrats also said the same. So, this is a complaint that crosses partisan lines — and many Gen Zers (regardless of which party or candidates they support) are eager to see politicians who will challenge the status quo.
“I don’t want the next politicians to misrepresent and misunderstand issues affecting our communities,” Shay*, a 20-year-old from Delaware, wrote in the survey. “We need more action to improve things for everyone.”
So, who are the candidates most likely to follow through on this? Truly, only time will tell. However, there are some politicians in the running who have been outspoken about their opposition to the current systems and leaders that many voters are currently unhappy with (namely, President Donald Trump’s administration). If that resonates with you, here are a few Congressional candidates to keep an eye on this election season.
Angie Nixon
Senate candidate Angie Nixon won her primary in Florida in a massive upset after running on a platform of Medicare for all, free childcare, free family and sick leave, and other progressive policies. As a testament to shaking things up, Nixon called Trump out on his divisive rhetoric in an August interview with First Coast News.
Will Lawrence
Will Lawrence is seeking election to be the U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. At a No Kings rally in late March, Lawrence called for Trump to be “put on trial” for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, and has continued to call out Trump after winning the Democratic nomination.
Melat Kiros
In a highly publicized upset, progressive challenger Melat Kiros defeated a nearly 30-year incumbent in a Colorado Democratic primary. Beyond her advocacy for abolishing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), expanding healthcare, and more, Kiros has repeatedly called out Trump and his administration.
Abdul El-Sayed
If you are from the great state of Michigan or just a casual observer of all things American politics, you’ve probably heard the name Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. El-Sayed is running for U.S. Senate as the Democratic nominee on a platform of affordability, Medicare for all, and a government for the people. Oh, and he knows how to deliver a killer one-liner. For example, on Aug. 8, Trump shared an image comparing his marriage to Melania and El-Sayed’s marriage to Dr. Sarah Jukaku — a psychiatrist in Ann Arbor — including an image with the caption, “Two VERY different America’s [sic].” El-Sayed addressed it with biting professionalism and a bit of sass, which he has become famous for.
Justin J. Pearson
Justin J. Pearson was one of the “Tennessee Three,” three state lawmakers expelled from the Capitol after protesting for gun control following a deadly school shooting. At just 31 years old, Pearson has years of experience, as he has been a community advocate since he was 15. Following the congressional redistricting of a majority-Black district into three majority-white districts, Pearson took to the stage and delivered an impassioned speech, calling out Tennessee Republicans and Trump to cheers and applause, encouraging the crowd to show up to the polls this November.
Peggy Flanagan
After winning the Minnesota Democratic primary, Peggy Flanagan spoke with MPR News regarding Republican nominee Michele Tafoya, saying, “We see that she has been supportive of Donald Trump’s illegal war in Iran that has caused gas prices to skyrocket. And when asked about how Minnesotans should deal with that, she told folks to have a stiff upper lip and take one less trip to Starbucks. I think asking people to suck it up, just because of Donald Trump and his on-again, off-again war in Iran, is completely disconnected from where Minnesotans are right now. Folks want to be able to afford their lives. With the high cost of gas and fertilizer prices, Michele Tafoya is going to just be another ‘Yes, sir, Mr. President’ Senator, and we do not need that. We need someone who’s going to serve the people of Minnesota and the people of Minnesota alone.”
Ed Markey
An octogenarian might not be Gen Z’s first thought when it comes to game-changing politicians running for office in 2026, but 80-year-old Senator Ed Markey, who is running for re-election in Maine, just might defy their expectations. Having served as a senator from 2013 to now, in addition to his 20 terms as a representative, Markey has contributed massively to progressive movements, including co-authoring the Green New Deal with AOC. Recently, Markey released a statement calling for Congress to remove Trump from office following threats from Trump regarding the war in Iran.
James Talarico
Texas state representative, former teacher, and current Presbyterian seminarian James Talarico is running for U.S. Senate. He has already fielded multiple insults from Trump and his constituents and does not appear to be backing down — in fact, he’s becoming well known for providing sharp criticism of the current administration.
Jon Ossoff
The senator from Georgia has been a constant thorn in the side of the current administration, and a favorite politician of Gen Z (if one can even have a “favorite politician”). One of Ossoff’s most recent call-outs — regarding Trump’s relationship with his executive assistant, Natalie Harp — has garnered a lot of ire from the right, but Ossoff is not one to ease up; he’s also spoek up about high costs, corruption, the war in Iran, and more.
Roy Cooper
A lawyer and the former governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper has worked for decades in public service, and is running for Senate on a platform to “make stuff cost less,” in a move that would flip the Senate. While on the campaign trail, Cooper has criticized Trump for tariffs and corruption as well as the country’s health care system, all while centering his focus on affordability.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
AOC is practically a household name, and for good reason. As one of the nation’s most prominent Democratic Socialists, Ocasio-Cortez has received many attacks from the Trump administration and right-wing media sources, but she stays strong and pushes back, all while focusing on raising minimum wage, expanding healthcare, and representing New York District 14, all while delivering lines that are sure to keep some people up at night.