He is stumped.
On Sunday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore faced a challenging question on CNN regarding why young men are increasingly distancing themselves from the Democratic Party. As the midterm elections approach, the party is grappling with the loss of key voter groups, including young male voters. During an appearance on “State of the Union,” CNN host Dana Bash noted how President Donald Trump had gained significant support from young men in the November elections. She asked Moore if he believed the party’s policies or messaging were the problem.
Moore responded by reflecting on the foundation of his own campaign, noting that it had resonated with young people, particularly young men. “I think we were speaking to them, not speaking at them,” Moore explained. He pointed out the alarming trends facing young men, including a rise in suicide rates and stagnant employment participation since 1964, suggesting that these issues have contributed to the shift in voter loyalty.
Recent data from AP VoteCast revealed a dramatic shift, with more than half of male voters under 30 backing Trump, compared to a similar percentage supporting Biden in 2020. Among young white males, about 60% voted for Trump, with significant support also coming from young Hispanic and Black men who had previously leaned Democratic. Bash interjected, acknowledging Moore’s success in gaining support from young men at the state level but questioning the broader national trend.
Moore suggested that the Democrats’ challenges were linked to a historical shift in political priorities, mentioning that decades ago, there had been a significant policy push to address the needs of young women, which had led to positive changes. He argued that a similar focus on young men was now needed. He pointed to Maryland’s efforts to recruit more men into fields like education and healthcare while also supporting those involved in the juvenile justice system. Moore called for a broader national discussion on how to re-engage young men, emphasizing that it’s not just about winning elections but ensuring the future success of society.
Since the November elections, Democrats have struggled to find a unified message and a clear leader. While some attribute the party’s challenges to policy issues, others suggest that its branding and messaging have also contributed to the decline in support.
