New Poll Reveals Shifting Priorities Among Young Californians

Economic Concerns Take Center Stage for Young Californians

A recent poll conducted by Power California, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting civic engagement among young people, highlights that economic issues are now the top priority for young adults across the state. The survey, which included 1,890 Californians aged 18 to 30, revealed that concerns such as tariffs, job security, and the cost of living dominate the list of key issues facing this demographic.

The cost of living and inflation topped the list of concerns, marking a significant shift from previous years when social justice issues like police brutality and immigration were more prominent. According to Saa’un Bell, executive vice president of Power California, this change does not indicate a lack of interest in social issues but rather reflects the immediate financial challenges many young people face.

"Many young people are living paycheck to paycheck, so they're focusing on what's most urgent," Bell explained. "Social issues are still important, but they aren't the primary concern right now."

The poll was conducted in late spring and has been commissioned by Power California during election years since 2018. Since 2023, the organization has conducted the survey annually. Latino Decisions, a political opinion firm, collaborated on the research. This firm has previously worked with major political campaigns, including those of Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

The survey aimed to understand the priorities of young Californians, who are becoming increasingly influential in the political landscape. With Generation Z expected to make up the majority of the American electorate by 2028, their concerns are shaping the political discourse.

A Shift in Priorities

Economic pressures have clearly taken precedence over social issues, according to the poll results. Young Californians are more concerned about their financial stability than ever before. Eighty percent of respondents reported that the cost of living has outpaced their wages, and nearly one-third said they have taken on a second job to make ends meet.

In the Bay Area, a higher percentage of young people reported having a second job or side hustle compared to those in Los Angeles and the Central Valley. Interestingly, residents of the Central Valley were more likely to engage in politics, attend protests, or join political parties than their urban counterparts.

Beyond economic concerns, young Californians also expressed strong opinions about the Trump administration. Fifty-six percent of respondents opposed the punishment of universities, while 70% of Bay Area residents disapproved of how the Trump administration handled its first 100 days in office. Additionally, 59% of Bay Area respondents believed Trump had a negative impact on the direction of California.

However, dissatisfaction with the political landscape is not limited to the Trump administration. Only 51% of Bay Area respondents had a favorable view of the Democratic Party, and 54% of young Californians statewide felt the state was heading in the wrong direction—up six percentage points from the previous year.

Challenges and Aspirations

For many young Californians, the struggle to afford basic necessities has made it difficult to participate in civic activities. Daisy Maxion, a 28-year-old organizer with Filipino Advocates for Justice, has seen firsthand how economic strain affects her community. While conducting door-to-door outreach in Hayward, she encountered residents who could not afford to take time off work to vote.

"They were dealing with such economic pressure that it was hard for them to even go out and advocate for local policies, like attending city council meetings," Maxion said. One of her friends now works multiple jobs, driving for Uber and Instacart to make ends meet.

Maxion described the growing sentiment among young people: "We're just tired of surviving. We want to be in a position where we can live our lives without having three jobs or paying 40% of our paychecks toward rent."

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the voices of young Californians will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of the state and the nation. Their concerns reflect a generation that is not only aware of the challenges ahead but is also determined to create a better future.