A recent analysis by the nonpartisan organization Future Caucus highlights a significant trend in the current election cycle: a record-breaking number of Gen Z and millennial candidates are seeking seats in Congress. The report identifies 3,918 candidates from these two generations, marking their most ambitious effort to date to influence federal legislative representation.

Despite the high volume of participation, the path to the general election has proven difficult for younger hopefuls. According to the findings, roughly seven out of every ten Gen Z and millennial candidates failed to advance past their primary elections by early September. This high attrition rate underscores the systemic challenges younger candidates face when attempting to enter national politics.

Experts and political analysts point to several structural barriers that contribute to these outcomes. The current political landscape heavily favors candidates with significant fundraising capabilities, established party support, and prior political experience. Because younger candidates often lack deep-pocketed donor networks or long-standing ties to party leadership, they frequently struggle to clear the initial hurdles required to secure a spot on the November ballot. While the surge in candidacy signals a growing interest in governance among younger generations, the data suggests that the political system remains optimized for more experienced, traditional candidates.