Data from 2024 Election Reveals Growing Youth Disengagement from Democratic Party in Southern Arizona

At the September 16 meeting of the Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona (DWSEA) in Sierra Vista, Christina Marikos, Data Manager at Rural Arizona Action, presented a detailed analysis of voter trends from the 2024 election. Her presentation offered a national overview and closer look at Arizona’s shifting political landscape, particularly in legislative and congressional districts across the southern region.

Marikos’ findings revealed a growing concern for Democrats, which is that a growing number of young voters are disengaging from the party and registering as independents or with other political affiliations. “We saw a large movement from 2020 forward of youth leaving the Democratic Party,’ she noted, emphasizing the importance of identity formation and community spaces where young people can connect and see themselves reflected in progressive politics. Some long-term engagement strategies she found helpful in preventing this trend include consistent year-round community organizing and voter registration drives. Marikos’ analysis should serve as a call-to-action for party leaders to rethink how they build relationships with new generations of voters.

Christina Marikos presenting at a meeting of the Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona. September 16, 2026.