The fight for the youth vote in Pennsylvania intensifies as momentum shifts toward Harris

As the November election approaches, the competition for young voters in Pennsylvania is heating up, particularly following Vice President Kamala Harris’s nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate. The mood among students is shifting, signaling a potential revitalization for Democratic efforts on college campuses.

Eian Anderson, a 22-year-old student and leader of the College Democrats at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, initially dreaded the idea of recruiting young voters. “Convincing 18-year-olds fresh out of high school to spend their day making calls for Joe Biden? That was a tough sell,” he remarked. However, with Harris now at the forefront, he noticed a significant change in energy. “It’s definitely changed,” Anderson said, smiling at the newfound enthusiasm among his peers.

Recent polling reflects this shift. A New York Times/Siena College survey indicates that 58% of likely voters aged 18-29 support Harris, compared to 37% for former President Donald Trump. This is a marked change from July, when only 48% backed Biden and 45% leaned towards Trump.

Mariam Bangurah, the secretary of UPJ’s College Democrats, echoed Anderson’s sentiments, noting that Harris’s background and youthful energy resonate with young voters. Yet, she cautioned against complacency, stressing the need to maintain their momentum. “We are doing well, but we really need to keep that energy,” she warned.

Republican voices are also noticing this trend. Electra Janis, a commissioner from Washington County, expressed that Harris might be energizing young voters, but acknowledged that Trump could still win some support by focusing on economic issues. “When I’m voting for Trump, I’m voting for his policies,” Janis explained, highlighting her approach to appeal to younger demographics.

The Trump campaign is adapting its strategy to target young voters through social media and grassroots efforts. Kush Desai, a spokesperson for the campaign in Pennsylvania, stated, “Young voters feel increasingly disillusioned by the American Dream, which seems unattainable under Kamala Harris.” The campaign is committed to bringing Trump’s vision directly to young voters, utilizing platforms like TikTok and engaging at college events.

Steven Kail, a 33-year-old volunteer for the Trump campaign, shared his motivations for getting involved. After witnessing an assassination attempt on Trump during a rally, he felt compelled to act. Now, as part of “Trump Force 47,” Kail focuses his outreach on economic issues that resonate with younger voters, such as rising costs of living.

Meanwhile, the Harris campaign is also leveraging social media and celebrity endorsements, from figures like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, to galvanize support. On National Voter Registration Day, they reported hosting over 130 events aimed at registering young voters across crucial battleground states, particularly on college campuses.

A lively atmosphere is evident on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus. The College Republicans and College Democrats recently set up booths in a popular dormitory area, each promoting their candidate. While the College Republicans distributed Trump buttons, the College Democrats quickly followed with Harris stickers and voter registration appeals. “Are you registered to vote? Want a Kamala Harris sticker?” they called out to passing students.

This energetic exchange reflects a broader dynamic. Sam Podnar, co-president of the College Democrats, noted the enthusiasm surrounding Harris’s nomination. “With Biden as the nominee, it was difficult to excite young people. But now, we have a stronger candidate, and it’s been a monumental shift,” she said.

Conversely, Josh Minsky, head of the College Republicans, admitted the challenge of rallying support for Trump among his peers. “It’s not easy to get people excited about Trump at our age,” he conceded. However, he believes that encouraging voters to focus on policies rather than personal feelings about candidates is crucial.

Despite differing perspectives, both political groups are actively trying to make their voices heard in Pennsylvania, a state where the presidential race is expected to be closely contested. Podnar highlighted their efforts, mentioning canvassing and outreach initiatives. “We’re building student power and working to transform enthusiasm into actionable support,” she said.

As both campaigns ramp up their outreach, the battle for the youth vote in Pennsylvania is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming election. With both sides seeking to capitalize on the shifting sentiments, the engagement of younger voters could very well determine the outcome in this key battleground state.