Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Walking Away from Political Parties
Guest Commentary
Audio By Carbonatix
By Amber Ginter, Crosswalk.com
I grew up in a home with a Republican Father, a Democrat Mother, and as a result, a strongly willed family with opposing viewpoints. I never knew who to vote for, why voting was so important, or how to decide what mattered most. Today, it seems that Millennials and Gen Z are facing similar dilemmas as they walk away from political parties and choose independence instead.
Recent analysis shows that a majority of Millennials and Gen Z now identify as political independents, signaling a significant shift away from traditional party affiliation. Many younger voters express frustration with polarization, distrust of political institutions, and a belief that neither major party fully represents their values or concerns. This trend reflects broader cultural changes, including skepticism toward authority and a desire for authenticity, flexibility, and issue-based engagement rather than rigid political alignment.
As the rising identification of political independents shifts our nation, will we as a generation be filled with realignment or apathy? Will we seek to understand, or write this off as another fading trend? And more importantly, as younger generations grow skeptical of institutions and labels, how can Christians stay grounded in truth, seek unity over division, and remember that our ultimate identity is found in Christ—not politics?
Current Statistics about Gen Z and Millennial Voters
First, to understand the crux of this issue, we have to look at what the data shows. According to a news study by Gallup News, 45% of U.S. voters identify as independents, with a majority of Millennials and Gen Z now rejecting both parties (New York Intelligencer, 2026). This rejection isn’t due to a lack of good choices, but the desire to vote on issues by merit rather than political family commitment.
Over the years, we have seen a decline in long-term party loyalty, but according to Relevant Magazine, “the trend reflects both generational replacement and shifting political behavior among younger Americans.” The Pew Research Center even adds that 4 in 10 Americans wish they had options beyond the Republican and Democratic parties.
The question of the hour is why? Why are today’s young adults leaning away from political identification and towards independence or no vote at all? And what, as a society, can we learn from this? Furthermore, what’s leading younger and younger generations to disengage with parties altogether?
Why Are Younger Generations Disengaging from Parties?
Like my family, many young adults feel frustrated by polarization. This is where each party, Democrat and Republican, grows to extremes and treats the other with immense animosity, regardless of merit or values. As a result, we see deep societal divides based solely on political affiliation, compromised values, and mass chaos.
Accordingly, Gen Z doesn’t know who to trust and strongly distrusts political institutions. Political identification no longer brings a sense of familiarity or family identity, but unease and strife. These young people feel unrepresented by binary choices and prefer issue-based engagement over party identity. Can we blame them?
In the past decade, tensions between political parties and their affiliates have skyrocketed. Opponents blast one another on TV with commercials, fake propaganda is spread like wildfire, and no one really knows the truth except those running for office. And even then, do they know the truth?
Instead of arguing with those we deem as opponents, maybe we should learn to talk to the other side. Not just for peace, but to learn and make a difference. According to the UVA School of Education and Human Development, “Confrontations and arguments are not as productive as inquiry and honest curiosity.” We could all use an extra dose of inquiry for the sake of understanding and curiosity for the sake of knowledge.
A Growing Skepticism Toward Institutions and Labels
While these recent shifts towards political independence have been seen in the broader culture, we’re also seeing similar patterns in religion, corporate careers, and media trust. Young adults don’t want to identify with a singular religion, but they do still want to maintain “spirituality.” Instead of pursuing college and corporate careers, we’re seeing entrepreneurs and outside-of-the-box thinking. And while they once trusted TikTok, IG, and the news for everything, they’re becoming more and more skeptical.
Harvard Youth Poll recently revealed this startling statistic: “This generation is under profound strain, as young Americans report deep economic insecurity, eroding trust in democratic institutions, and growing social fragmentation.”
In this report, we learn that instability is continuing to define Gen Z’s lives. Nearly all are concerned about our country, but feel helpless and don’t know what to do about it. Likewise, with AI on the rise, they also feel concerned about job security and their future. Their trust in institutions is broken, and social trust has caused doubt on all fronts. And while they’ve rejected political violence, they’re still confused about how to take action and actually make a difference.
What Will Modern Civic Life Look Like?
What does all this mean for you and me? Young voters want to be engaged, but we must reach them in different ways. Instead of forcing political sides, we need to try discussing the issues at hand. Listening to hear and not respond. Emphasizing local issues, activism, and specific causes over strife and violent divisions. At its core, we need to strive for flexibility versus ideological rigidity. And that starts with us, regardless of what political party we identify with.
In Galatians 3:28, Scripture tells us “that there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (NIV). This is an important reminder that faith significantly shapes our political engagement (or it should), but our faith should always matter most.
As Philippians 3:20 adds, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (NIV). Regardless of our political identity, those who believe in Jesus belong to Him.
Instead of viewing this independence as rejection, reframe it as a signal. This event not only gives all of us the opportunity for thoughtful, values-driven reflection and participation, but it also serves as a much-needed reminder that political shifts can reflect deeper cultural questions about trust, belonging, and identity. Will we point these young adults closer to Jesus, or further away from Him?
Today, choose to listen to hear, not to argue. Talk to someone with a different political view from yours and learn. Don’t engage in heated arguments, but look for peace, even if it’s hard to come by. If this is difficult for you, ask the Lord for strength and engage in a prayer similar to the one listed below. Remember, the intentions of your heart matter, and that matters to the Lord.
A Prayer for Unity in Modern American Politics
Dear Jesus,
When politics seek to destroy and divide us, help us look to you. Teach us to pursue your ways above the world, and to strive for unity among all believers. No matter what our differences or political parties, show us how to live like you. Instead of judging those choosing independence, help us to understand them. And no matter what the data or news says, help us live with love and intentionality in mind as we fully pursue you and those you love. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Jason Leung
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
