Gen Z Republicans Eye House Seats

Joe Mitchell, a 29-year-old former Iowa state senator, is running in a competitive race for the state's second congressional district. If he wins, he will join a new class of Generation Z Republicans in Congress.

Mitchell holds President Trump's endorsement. His campaign focuses on term limits for House members, capping service at six terms, and a ban on congressional stock trading. He has also rejected donations from corporate political action committees.

Mitchell describes his approach as an anti-corruption platform. He says voters of all ages are frustrated with the current system and want young people involved in governance. "I think people are looking for hope, regardless of what party they're in," Mitchell said.

The number of young Republicans seeking federal office remains low. According to Future Caucus, a nonpartisan organization, only 4% of congressional candidates this cycle were Generation Z. Under a third of those candidates filed as Republicans. A majority ran as Democrats, while 16% did not align with a major party.

Adam Pennings, executive director of Run Gen Z, said the organization is working to build a bench of young conservative leaders. His group announced endorsements for more than 220 young conservative candidates in late October. This includes Mitchell, Michael Alfonso, and Riley Owen.

Michael Alfonso, 26, is expected to win Wisconsin's seventh district. He is married to the daughter of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. If elected, Alfonso would be the first person born in the 2000s to serve in Congress. Alfonso told Wisconsin Public Radio that his age is his greatest advantage.

Riley Owen, 28, is running in Utah's newly redrawn first district. The district heavily favors Democrats. Owen acknowledged the difficulty of his race but said voters want fresh ideas. "People are hungry for a new solution, new faces, fresh ideas, and a grassroots campaign like the one we're running," Owen said.

Mitchell believes the future of the Republican Party is an America First party. He says this involves asking how policies help the American people. He noted that Vice President JD Vance and other cabinet members share this view. The definition of America First has become a point of contention within the party, particularly regarding the U.S. war with Iran. Mitchell has not opposed the war but said he does not support endless wars.