​

Young voters have been a driving force behind Democratic victories, yet we face real challenges in keeping them engaged—especially young men. The data is clear: Trump and the far right have made inroads with this group, filling a vacuum that we have too often left unaddressed. If we don’t act now, we risk losing a generation of voters.
 

Right now, we have two major challenges in reaching young people: a messaging problem and a brand problem. Too many young voters, particularly young men, don’t see themselves in our party, and we can’t ignore the reasons why. If we’re serious about attracting them, we must go beyond traditional political outreach and meet them where they are—not just at four-year colleges, but also in trade schools, workplaces, and community spaces.
 

Some have suggested we need a “Joe Rogan of the left” to counteract young men’s rightward shift, but that misses the point. Young men aren’t looking for a singular political figure—they’re looking for community. The far right understands this and has built cultural spaces around shared interests like gaming, bodybuilding, DIY repair, and outdoor activities. These aren’t inherently political spaces, but conservatives, fueled by big tech, have successfully turned them into pipelines for their ideology. If we don’t intervene with a different approach, this trend will only accelerate.
 

We need to create spaces where young people’s interests and our values intersect. For example, the Right to Repair movement resonates with those passionate about fixing their cars, phones, and gaming consoles. Instead of just talking about policy, we should be engaging young people in hands-on events—hosting repair workshops that highlight how Governor Tim Walz signed the nation’s most expansive Right to Repair law. Similarly, gaming communities can be entry points for discussions about broadband access, fitness culture can connect to healthcare, and outdoor activities can tie into conservation and climate action. By pairing policy with real-world engagement, we can show that we’re investing in their interests—not just asking for their votes.
 

One of our biggest challenges is the digital space. Social media has become increasingly toxic, filled with disinformation and right-wing narratives designed to pull young people away from our movement. We cannot afford to abandon these platforms, but we must be more intentional and aggressive in how we engage. Too often, our digital strategy is reactive instead of proactive. We need to build a presence that not only defends against disinformation but also actively creates engaging, values-driven content that speaks to young voters on their terms.
 

As Outreach & Inclusion Officer, I will work with MYDFL, youth-serving organizations, and local party units to craft a youth engagement and digital outreach strategy that meets this moment—one that is proactive, counters right-wing disinformation head-on, and ensures young people see themselves in the Minnesota DFL.
 

This isn’t just about winning one election—it’s about ensuring the DFL continues to thrive for years to come. If we engage young people authentically and creatively through their interests—not just their issues—we can rebuild trust and create real political homes for disillusioned young voters. The right has spent years making young men feel like they belong in their movement. It’s time we did the same.