Katie Phang
Summary
Katy Fang discusses the 2026 midterm election with Rachel Janfaza, founder of The Up and Up, who warns that Gen Z voter turnout may drop due to economic anxiety and a lack of mobilizing "hallmark" events. Janfaza explains that young voters are disillusioned with both parties, prioritizing cost-of-living issues and AI regulation over identity politics, and seeking authentic candidates who offer forward-looking solutions. The episode then features Deirdre Schiefling from the ACLU, who highlights the critical importance of down-ballot races, such as state supreme court and secretary of state p…
Topics discussed
Intro: Why Gen Z voters are tuning out Democrats
Introduction of guest Rachel Janfaza
Predicting lower youth turnout in 2026 midterms
Key issues unifying Gen Z: cost of living and AI
The decline of party loyalty and authenticity
Anti-incumbent sentiment and desire for change
Identity politics as a luxury vs. economic anxiety
Separating the man from the policies: Trump fatigue
Defining corruption: insider trading and tech power
Promoting The Up and Up and listening to youth
Transition: The importance of down-ballot races
Introduction of guest Deirdre Schiefling (ACLU)
Why state-level rights and local politics matter
The critical role of state Supreme Courts
Ballot initiatives: tools for rights and obfuscation
Strategies to make judicial elections partisan
Understanding retention votes and judge appointments
Election deniers running for Secretary of State
ACLU voter education standards and neutrality
Call to action: Volunteering as election observers
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