Statement from Millennial Action Project on Millennials Running for Congress

WASHINGTON – Over 200 Millennials from both parties have run or are running for Congress this cycle, taking an active role in shaping our democracy at a time of momentous change for the country. Over 50 Millennials ran in yesterday’s primaries alone, and nearly 20 of them won their races, including Elizabeth Heng, a 35-year-old Republican running in California’s 33rd District, Josh Welle, a 32-year-old Democrat running in New Jersey’s 4th District, and Abby Finkenauer, a Democrat running in Iowa’s 1st District, who, at 28, would be the youngest woman ever elected to Congress if she wins the general election.*

Since the 2016 election, the number of Millennials running for public office has surged, including local offices where a record number of Millennials have filed to run. With public polling showing that 60 percent of young people intend to vote in this year’s election, up from 50 percent in 2016, Millennials could be the decisive demographic in November.  

“Millennials have lost trust in a Congress gripped by division and crippled by party loyalty,” said Steven Olikara, Founder and President of Millennial Action Project. “They’re not sitting by idly and allowing politics as usual to continue. It’s inspiring to see a record number of young people – motivated by country over party – have thrown their hats into the ring to run for the highest levels of elected office.”   

While dysfunction and gridlock in government dominate the headlines, a counter-movement is underway – led by Millennials – that is disrupting the status quo: a plurality of Millennials now identify as independents, and tend to rally around specific issues, rather than political parties. For the first time, Millennial Action Project is focused on encouraging more Millennials to take matters into their own hands and help chart a path back to bipartisan cooperation in Washington.

* MAP does not endorse or oppose any candidate.