It’s no secret that young women make up one of the most progressive — and powerful — voting blocs in the United States. But as any Gen Zer will tell you, this group is not a monolith. So, heading into the 2026 midterm election cycle, where do these voters stand — and what’s driving their decisions in the voting booth?
With the 2026 midterm elections looming, Her Campus set out to gauge how our audience — primarily comprised of women in college or recently post-grad — are feeling right now. In August 2026, Her Campus conducted a survey of 374 respondents (96% women, 98% currently or formerly enrolled in college) across 34 states in the U.S. Of the respondents, 57% identified with the Democratic Party, 11% identified with the Republican Party, 11% identified as Independent, 6% identified as unsure of their affiliation, 6% said they had no party affiliation, 5% identified with a party not listed, and 4% chose not to say.
While these voters may differ on the candidates they support and how they feel about specific topics, there are certain factors that unite them. For starters, much like the rest of the country, many survey respondents are frustrated with how things are going in the U.S. right now. Over 80% of respondents reported dissatisfaction with current political leadership. And despite all three branches of the U.S. government currently being ruled by a conservative majority, it’s not just Democrats who are not satisfied — the feeling crosses party lines, with 98% of Democrats reporting feeling dissatisfied and 84% of non-Democrats sharing the sentiment.
But what kind of changes do they want to see in the 2026 election season? Here’s what they had to say.
They’re driven by specific issues.
In the survey, 75% of respondents said they’re concerned about the outcomes of the upcoming midterms. When asked to select the top issues influencing their votes, the most commonly cited issues were immigration and ICE, reproductive freedom, the economy, and healthcare. “I am most unsatisfied with the economic state and how expensive everything is becoming,” a 24-year-old from Illinois wrote in the survey. “Additionally, I do not agree with the increase of ICE regulation everywhere and the extremely violent deportations.” Another respondent, a 24-year-old from Florida, wrote in, “[I] do not want any candidate that doesn’t protect women’s reproductive rights.”Â
Concerns about education, climate change, foreign policy and war, and gun control are also top of mind for respondents. One respondent summed up many voters’ feelings: “There is a lot to be said about the current social, economic, and political sphere in the U.S. and I find myself often in disagreement to much of the policy being passed.”
They’re frustrated with their current leadership.
Survey respondents reported feeling let down by leaders at all different levels of government. “I feel [like] checks and balances are disappearing from our democracy and elected officials are abusing their power,” said a 21-year-old from Arizona.Â
A 19-year-old voter from New Jersey added, “I am dissatisfied with today’s political system because the government is too divided, too influenced by money and special interests, and not responsive enough to ordinary voters or the issues they care about. This doesn’t necessarily mean I want one particular party to have complete control. I just want a system that is more functional and capable of compromise.”
Much frustration comes from displeasure with the presidential administration. “I am concerned about our current administration and don’t wish for the social and economic beliefs of our current administration to continue,” a 20-year-old voter from Minnesota wrote in the survey. “I believe that it is corrupt and immoral.”Â
A 22-year-old from Michigan shared similar concerns: “I feel that we have a president who is running rampant and doing irreparable damage to crucial systems in the U.S. I feel strongly [that Democrats] need to take back at least one chamber to curb some of the damage this administration has done and intends to do in the future.”Â
They don’t trust politicians — or the political system — to represent them.
Many respondents shared concerns about ending up with leaders that don’t align with their views. “I am worried that my vote won’t matter and in the long run, the election winner won’t represent me,” a 20-year-old at Western Carolina University told Her Campus. A 19-year-old from Florida shared similar sentiments: “I feel concerned, given the place I live and the political views, they don’t match my own views. I’ve seen commercials on TV and I do not like the way some people are presenting themselves.”
Even when it comes to candidates who do seem to align with their views, young voters are worried they won’t actually act on them. “I feel like past candidates have failed to follow through on their promises, especially within the party I am registered for,” a 22-year-old from North Carolina wrote in the survey. “But I hope that will change.”
Others aren’t quite as optimistic. “I don’t believe that either party really cares about the American people,” said a 22-year-old from North Carolina. A 23-year-old from Georgia added, “Politics is no longer about policy, but a popularity contest based on social capital.”
There are some who are questioning how politicians are even getting elected in the first place. “I’m concerned due to the current political state with our government constantly lying to us,” said an 18-year-old at Skidmore College. “I fear the midterm elections won’t matter and they’ll fake whatever outcome they want.”
In fact, election integrity is a major concern among survey respondents, with 35% saying they’re actually not confident in the integrity of the election process. “I do not want my vote to go uncounted due to dirty tactics from another side,” a 25-year-old from California wrote.Â
President Trump himself has called into question the vulnerabilities of the election process, infamously claiming the 2020 presidential election was “rigged” against him and discussing potential foreign and domestic election interference. Conversely, voting rights and election watchdog organizations have called out Trump’s administration and allies for ways in which they could potentially impact election outcomes, including attempting to restrict mail-in voting or send ICE to the polls.Â
“I feel as though it is not fully up to the population anymore,” a 21-year-old voter from Georgia said about the future election outcomes.
They’re sick of the polarization.
Almost half of all respondents (49%) reported feeling anxious about the 2026 midterms, with many citing the polarization between the two major parties as a cause for their feelings.
“The state of the country brings me to tears. I’m scared we’ll never come back from this,” said a 22-year-old in Florida. A 25-year-old from Washington shared similar feelings: “The political climate has been very heated lately, so I’ve been feeling anxious.”
Republicans and Democrats are extremely divided, and polarization in the country has increased significantly over the last few decades. A 21-year-old from Missouri said, “I think some people are so tied down to their political affiliation that they’re unable to see the other side… The political division in our country is concerning and I want us to come together as Americans [to] solve issues together.”
A 25-year-old from Massachusetts also wrote in, “I feel concerned about the outcome of the midterm election because there has been such a strong divide in our country and in the world … People’s rights, safety, and ability to provide for themselves can all be affected by who is elected. That’s what scares me most. I just hope people vote with compassion and think about the real lives that can be impacted by the choices they make.”
Despite uncertainty, Gen Zers remain hopeful.
Even amid their many concerns, hope is not completely lost among Gen Z voters. “In some ways, based on the positive trend of my ideal candidates being elected already, I am somewhat unconcerned,” a 22-year-old respondent from Georgia wrote in the survey. “As a trans person, I am hopeful, determined, but exhausted.”
A theme throughout many survey responses is a feeling of cautious optimism. “For quite some time now, I feel as though the divide in our country is greater than ever and it’s been fueled by figures who act in the best interest or themselves rather than the greater good,” said a 24-year-old from Kansas. “I’m hopeful things can and will change, but it’s been crazy living in a time where history seems to be moving backward rather than forward.”Â
Overall, these Gen Zers seem to be holding onto faith in a better future — and they know they’re the ones who have to make it happen. “I don’t want my concerns about the government to make me lose faith in voting,” a 27-year-old from Florida told Her Campus. “I still believe our voices matter, and I believe people in my generation have an opportunity to influence the direction of the country.”
It’s almost time for the 2026 midterm elections, and Her Campus has teamed up with HeadCount to make sure you’re ready to vote. Visit HeadCount.org/Her-Campus to register to vote, check your registration status, learn about upcoming elections, and more.