A small conference room at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls buzzed with activity as the College Republicans convened for their monthly meeting. A projection of President Donald Trump graced the screen, setting the stage for an engaging icebreaker: “First EO (executive order) you would sign as President.”
Responses varied widely. Some suggested banning stock trading by Congress members, while others proposed increasing federal loan limits for college students. Ideas to officially recognize only male and female genders and to declare Catholicism as the national religion were also floated, alongside lighthearted suggestions like banning Labubus figurines.
The meeting also addressed opportunities for political internships, yet many attendees participated simply out of interest. Senior Isa Blett reflected on her political transformation upon arriving at UW-River Falls, inspired by Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA.
“I would see Turning Point shorts on YouTube and see this very kind guy who actually cared about his opponents and wanted to hear them out,” Blett said. “So, when he passed away, that was the most heartbreaking, gut-wrenching moment of my life.”
Younger Republicans credit their political leanings to experiences such as the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were expected to just get over it,” Blett remarked, emphasizing the pandemic’s lasting impact.
Senior Dylan Stryhn shared how social media content from Turning Point resonates with young men who feel isolated. Kirk’s assassination prompted Stryhn to re-engage politically: “It kind of woke me up,” he said. “I realized that we can’t give up, and that the Lord doesn’t want us to give up.”
In 2024, Republicans made inroads with young voters
In the 2024 presidential campaign, Turning Point, led by Kirk, played a pivotal role in mobilizing college students across Wisconsin. This contributed to a noticeable rightward shift at traditionally Democratic universities.
John Johnson, a research fellow at Marquette University Law School, highlighted Trump’s significant gains in college towns, with his vote share increasing by nine percentage points around Marquette alone.
Trump’s margins improved significantly at other campuses, including UW-La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Stevens Point. Johnson noted, “The state moved by just shy of 1 percentage point more of the vote going to Donald Trump in 2024 than four years prior, and it was about 4 percentage points more in the wards closest to the major college campuses in the state.”
Republican strategist Bill McCoshen attributed this shift to Kirk and Turning Point’s extensive campus presence, stating, “It’s good to see that they’re competing again and moving the needle.”
Democrats split on how to respond
Democratic responses to this trend vary. Evelyn Schmidt, Chair of College Democrats of Wisconsin, remains unconcerned, pointing to increased youth votes for Democrats and the reelection of Senator Tammy Baldwin.
“That tells me we did our job,” Schmidt said. “The problem was that the Republicans mobilized people who wouldn’t usually vote and would just stay home.”
However, Joe Zepecki, a Democratic consultant, acknowledged the party’s failure to engage young men, saying, “Somewhere in that, they have managed to exploit the Democratic Party’s inability to connect with young men.”
Trump has been a mainstay for Gen Z
Trump’s influence over Generation Z is notable, with his rhetoric resonating deeply. Nick Jacobs, UW-River Falls College Republicans Vice Chair, explained, “He was talking less about very minute economic policy, and he was talking broadly: ‘We’re going to come here and we’re going to make America great again.’”
Though Trump’s appeal to voters has been a boon for Republicans in presidential elections, it hasn’t translated to success in off-year contests, as evidenced by Brad Schimel’s loss in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race.
2026 midterms will test youth vote
The upcoming 2026 midterms will serve as a critical test for the GOP’s influence among young voters. The election will include a competitive race in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District and a gubernatorial contest.
Republican contenders, including Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, are vying for gubernatorial candidacy. Tiffany’s campaign launch featured a strategic setting with young supporters prominently visible.
Tiffany acknowledged Charlie Kirk’s influence, describing him as an icon among young conservatives. “It will be very interesting in 2026 to see the turnout we get on college campuses,” Tiffany said, pledging to focus his efforts there.
