In my dissertation, I focus on the generational divergence we have seen within the Democratic Party. In recent elections, younger Democrats have preferred different candidates for president than what the party eventually decided. Beyond the nomination we see differences by age on attitudes toward racial justice and how to prioritize youth focused issues. Party ID is an important social identity that we should expect to see associated with out-group dislike and in-group support. However, young Democrats have been much more willing to denigrate the party and its leadership. As newcomers to the party, young people bring a different perspective and priorities that can pull the party in a different direction. I use mixed methods including surveys, interviews, and focus groups to argue that young people view the party differently and that this impacts their in-group affect, issue priorities, and how they want the party to work.

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Important Questions I am Considering:

• Why do young Democrats prefer different types of candidates than older members?

• What are the consequences for the group and the party when young people don't get the candidate they want?

• What can activate a youth identity?

• How have young people historically impacted the party?

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Other Projects​​

• Young people and mental health

• Social media and political trust

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