Media Responses to Gen Z Entering Politics: Ashwin Ramaswami
Members of Gen Z are making their voices heard in politics, not just in the polls but also as they run for office in increased numbers. The 2024 election has seen a rise in Gen Zers running for office nationwide. Democrat Ashwin Ramaswami is among the hopeful Gen Zers hoping to make a splash in politics as he runs against Republican State Senator Shawn Still for his seat in the Georgia Senate. Ramaswami decided to run for office after discovering Shawn Still was among those indicted alongside Donald Trump for interfering in Georgia's 2020 election results. The New York Times reports that Ramaswami has already received over $700,000 since the end of September, a large figure for a relatively unknown political newcomer. Despite the large show of support Ramaswami has been receiving, Shawn Still has not backed down from defending his seat. Still sent out several inflammatory mailers, telling parents to beware of Ramaswami's efforts of "soliciting children in your area." These mailers responded to Ramaswami's effort to get the names of high school students from public records requests to urge them to vote and volunteer. It is clear that Still is threatened by Ramaswami's campaign, especially as the region is showing a greater openness to voting to Democrats, like in the case of Senator Raphael Warnock's election.
Ashwin Ramaswami's young age has been a major focal point in all articles discussing his campaign. At just 25 years old, the recent Georgetown Law School graduate has done so much in his short but notable career. Many articles point to Ramaswami's age as a marker of his strengths rather than using his age to undermine his abilities. As Betsy Reed of The Guardian mentioned, Ramaswami's position in politics could help him attract the "newer, younger, Democratic transplants" coming into the region. It is difficult to determine how much age impacts voters' choices, but as more members of Gen Z, like Ramaswami, enter politics, it will be difficult to ignore the role the rising generation has in politics. Many, like Still, have felt threatened by these new voices, but if they should expect to stay successful in politics, they must remain receptive to the changing needs of the people they represent. The media has been keen on reporting these young candidates' journeys as they run for office, as they note Gen Z's entrance into politics as a notable change in how American politics operates.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/interactive/2024/gen-z-candidates-political-office-election/
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/18/us/georgia-state-senate-ramaswami-still.html
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/05/ashwin-ramaswami-running-georgia-state-senate-shawn-still
It's always refreshing to see young people step out in politics. They are making names for themselves in the new era of politics. They want to create change and to make sure they are apart of that change. They understand the hard work and dedication that goes into running for high positions such as these. Regardless of the obstacles, they are not afraid and are pushing ahead.
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