In Texas, young leaders are making their mark in politics, challenging the age dynamics that have long defined the state’s political landscape. Rep. Erin Zwiener, a Driftwood Democrat, offers advice to young aspiring politicians, drawing from her own experience as the second youngest elected state lawmaker in Texas at the age of 33. Despite facing skepticism about her age and experience, Zwiener reminds critics that historical figures like Lyndon B. Johnson and Lloyd Doggett were also young when they entered politics.
The Texas Legislature, with an average lawmaker age of 55, does not reflect the state’s youthful population, where the average age is 37. This age gap contributes to a lack of representation for young people and leads to issues pertinent to them, such as education and affordable childcare, being overlooked. The mismatch between lawmakers and constituents also contributes to civic disengagement among young Texans, who are less likely to vote and run for office when they do not see themselves represented.
Challenges for young candidates include strict voting laws in Texas, fundraising obstacles, and the demands of serving in the legislature, which can be difficult to balance with a full-time job. State Rep. James Talarico, who became the youngest state lawmaker in 2018, overcame financial barriers by leveraging social media to raise funds and engaging with voters on a personal level. Talarico’s success inspired him to establish a PAC to support other young Democratic candidates.
On the Republican side, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, the youngest mayor of a major city in the U.S., defied expectations and stereotypes to win her election at 37. She emphasizes the importance of relatability and balancing work and family life in her leadership. Similarly, Caroline Fairly, a 25-year-old Republican candidate for House District 87, sees her youth as an asset in bringing a fresh perspective to policy issues affecting younger generations.
Addressing barriers to voting among young people, organizations like the University Democrats at the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Aggie Democrats at Texas A&M University are working to educate students on the registration process and issues at stake. Despite challenges such as misinformation, early registration requirements, and disillusionment with politics, efforts are being made to engage young voters and increase turnout.
Encouraging more young people to run for office is essential for ensuring equitable representation and diversifying the political landscape beyond age. By offering support, mentorship, and resources to aspiring young leaders, organizations like Run GenZ aim to empower the next generation of politicians. Ultimately, breaking down stereotypes about age and fostering a culture of inclusivity in politics can pave the way for a more representative and responsive government in Texas.
