How much did the youth vote shift to the right in California? Experts weigh in

In November 2024, when President Donald Trump won 38.3% of the vote in California, this was 4 percentage points more than he won in 2020. It was a small shift to the right, owing to many factors among subgroups of voters. But what part did young voters play in it? 

According to national exit polls, Trump made gains within the youth vote — generally categorized as voters ages 18-29 — in 2024 compared to 2020. Experts say reasons for this shift, both nationally and here in California, could range from fewer young people turning out to vote to changes in ideology.