Want to Win Young Voters? Let Them Keep Their Paychecks
It is a win for the economy and the next generation
This morning, I watched my teenage son beam with pride as he calculated his earnings after a full day of hard work. But that smile quickly disappeared when I reminded him to subtract 18% for taxes. Just like that, the thrill of earning gave way to the reality of government deductions.
It was a decisive moment—and one that reveals a significant opportunity for the Republican Party.
For years, Democrats have attempted to win over young voters with promises such as student loan forgiveness, free college, and government handouts. But here’s the truth: those policies, while emotionally appealing, come at a devastating economic cost that today’s younger generations will ultimately be forced to pay.
Republicans have a better, more innovative, and more sustainable way to connect with younger Americans: Let them keep more of what they earn.
A Common-Sense GOP Policy for Gen Z and Beyond
Imagine a bold policy proposal from Republican leaders—one that says no federal income taxes for Americans under 21. Individuals between the ages of 21 and 23 who are actively enrolled in college, graduate school, or a trade school are also exempt from federal income taxes. This extension not only encourages higher education and skill development but also rewards those who work hard to improve themselves and contribute to society.
This isn’t about avoiding responsibility. It’s about understanding the value of work early in life and seeing the rewards of that effort go straight to your pocket, not Washington’s.
It would mean that the teenager scooping ice cream, the college student juggling two part-time jobs, and the young entrepreneur starting their first business could finally experience the joy of earning without the weight of Washington’s cut dragging them down.
Why It Works—Politically and Practically
This idea isn’t just smart economics—it’s smart politics. Here’s why:
Younger voters are waking up to the consequences of big government. Inflation, rising taxes, and unsustainable debt aren’t abstract ideas—they're daily realities for anyone trying to buy groceries, pay rent, or save for the future.
It appeals to parents, too. Parents want their kids to learn the value of hard work, not the sting of taxation, before they even understand the basics of budgeting. Watching our kids lose one-fifth of their paycheck to taxes while they still live under our roofs? That’s a bipartisan frustration.
It encourages financial independence. Lower taxes give young workers the ability to save, invest, and plan for their future. That’s exactly what we want from the next generation—financial freedom, not financial dependence.
A Better Message for a New Generation
This is the kind of message that resonates with young Americans who are tired of being treated like permanent dependents. They don’t want politicians promising them pity or handouts. They want opportunity—and they want to keep what they’ve earned.
So here’s the challenge to Republicans, especially as we move into 2026 and beyond: Make freedom tangible. Show the next generation that the GOP is the party of hard work, self-reliance, and fair reward.
Instead of promising to cancel debt, consider canceling unnecessary taxes on young workers. Let them experience firsthand what financial liberty looks like. Because once they do, they’ll start to understand why limited government matters—and why it’s worth voting for.
Let’s give them a reason to vote red, not because we pander, but because we empower.