Op-Ed: Mason Morgan: Young people founded this country, and young people will save it

Gen Zers grew up in a world of subscriptions, not ownership, and they bring that innovative mindset to politics.

For years, political pundits dismissed younger generations as ideological strongholds of the left. But Generation Z is proving them wrong. While 18-29-year-olds overwhelmingly supported Joe Biden in 2020, the political tide shifted in 2024.

President-elect Donald Trump’s embrace of youth-focused strategies — appearing on popular podcasts, launching a TikTok account, and speaking directly to their concerns — demonstrated a key truth: young voters are persuadable, but only if you meet them on their terms.

That philosophy is at the heart of Run GenZ, the nonprofit I helped found after a college friend pitched me the idea in early 2020. Our mission is simple but transformative: recruit, train, and mentor the next generation of conservative leaders. Since launching in January 2021, Run GenZ has achieved remarkable results, supporting over 130 young leaders with an astonishing 80 percent success rate. Though these leaders started as candidates, they will soon be sheriffs, city council members, state legislators, and even a U.S. congressman.

This success underscores an important lesson: Generation Z is as diverse in priorities as they are in perspectives. They grew up in a world of subscriptions, not ownership, and they bring that innovative mindset to politics. They reject the stale assumption that their support automatically belongs to one side. Candidates who overlook this generation or fail to authentically engage them risk being seen as out of touch — and left behind in future elections.

Generation Z is politically active in ways that rival previous generations at their age. Leaders of both parties like Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk, Run GenZ’s Joe Mitchell, and Rep. Maxwell Frost (D., Fla.), the youngest member of the U.S. House, exemplify its growing influence. Yet what sets this generation apart is its urgency and initiative. Shaped by the upheaval of the COVID pandemic and the economic strain of Bidenomics, Gen Zers are unwilling to wait for change — they are determined to drive it.

Organizations like ALEC Action have taken notice. When I first met Lisa Nelson, the CEO of ALEC and ALEC Action, she immediately understood the value of partnering with this dynamic generation. That collaboration helped Run GenZ leaders achieve a 79.5 percent success rate in the most recent elections. Such strategic partnerships showcase the power of pairing experienced leadership with fresh, next-generation perspectives.

At Run GenZ, we often say “young people founded this country, and young people will save it.”

As I step aside from this transformative organization and pass along the torch to Adam Pennings, our new Director of Run GenZ, I’m filled with a sense of pride and optimism. Working alongside Trailblazers and Rising Stars has shown me that this generation is ready to lead.

Their demand for a seat at the table ensures their voices — and their voters’ voices — are heard. The future of our movement is in capable hands, and the 2024 election is proof of what happens when we invest in them.

This is just the beginning of what Generation Z can achieve. By giving them the tools and trust to succeed, we’re securing a brighter future for all.

Mason Morgan Mason co-founded and worked as the Executive Director for a 501(c)4 called Run GenZ that launched in 2021. Run GenZ is the premier organization on the right recruiting and mentoring young conservatives to run for public office.

Earlier this month, Mason announced his departure from Run GenZ at their annual conference. Mason will be starting a new role as a member of the Public Affairs team for Invenergy.