This story was written by Teen Vogue's 2024 Student Correspondents, a team of college students and recent graduates covering the election cycle from key battleground states.
In the end, it was over so fast. Donald Trump’s decisive 2024 election win has left people around the country reeling. He expanded his support among many segments of the electorate, notably including some Latino voters and young men, and dominated in swing states, winning at least five so far.
Teen Vogue’s group of student correspondents spent the week on the ground in swing states nationwide talking to young voters about the results. We wanted to hear what impact young people think another Trump administration and Republican Senate will have on their lives, their community, and their loved ones.
Students told us how they spent election night, and if they were surprised by the results. They shared why they think Vice President Kamala Harris lost, ultimately, and what they wish Democrats had done differently.
Below, hear directly from 27 students, recent graduates, and young workers in Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Michigan about an election that will shape their future.
These responses have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity. Some respondents requested to withhold their last name to protect their anonymity.
Nevada
Leslie Medina, 24, marketing coordinator
“As a first-generation Latina woman, I am scared, frustrated, and incredibly saddened by the results. …[Trump’s] rhetoric has not only perpetuated harmful stereotypes, but has created an environment where hatred, bigotry, and discrimination seem to be normalized. This extends beyond racial and ethnic lines — it's a threat to women’s rights, to the LGBTQ+ community, and to all marginalized groups.
"To see him back in power with such widespread support is heartbreaking. It feels like a step backward for our country — one that embraces hate over understanding and ignorance over facts.
"Trump was able to capitalize on the intersection of religion and politics, which resonated strongly with many conservative voters. The spread of misinformation and the lack of critical education played a huge role in shaping people's decisions this election.”
Zoe Malen, 22, recent graduate from University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
“I feel absolutely gutted and disappointed. We have let someone into the highest position of power who doesn’t care for women’s safety, the safety of people of color, the safety of the gay community, and — from what I’ve seen — only seems to care if you are rich, white, and male. I am disgusted and disappointed for those who voted against human rights, climate protections, and education. There is a racist criminal soon to be running our country for the second time and I, ultimately, just feel heartbroken to know how many people in America actively chose that. The ignorance and lack of concern or empathy this country has is gross.”
Gabriella Detrick, 19, political science major at UNR
“[I’m very concerned with] reproductive health care. I’m not really even, in this moment…talking about abortion. For example, I have [polycystic ovarian syndrome]. Having access to contraception is actually the first line of defense for something that has nothing to do with pregnancy. That’s what I have to have access to to generally treat it because there is no other solution. You have Republicans who are actively wanting to crack down on the availability of contraception. …That’s me seeking health care I need to live a normal life.
"Stop telling younger voters that their beliefs are uneducated simply because they have less general life experience than you. …Stop telling people that, because you [then] cannot be shocked in that case, when [fewer] younger voters…turn out to the polls.”
Michigan
Jamie Feuerman, 21, senior at University of Michigan
"Many Gen Z men have been radicalized into this philosophy of racism, toxic masculinity, and misogyny by celebrities like Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate. Maybe the Harris campaign didn’t do a good enough job reaching out to that demographic. Even on my college campus, votes for Trump went up compared to 2020, and I would be willing to bet that a lot of the reason for that is young men.
I have already heard from friends in minority groups that they are now not considering moving to a red state after graduation, or want to try to leave the country for grad school. A friend who had been planning to move to DC after graduation along with me has already said she wants to leave the country for work instead."
Dani Colman, 21, senior at the University of Michigan
"Truthfully, I’m terrified. I’m shocked that sexual assault, fraud, and constant bullying was not a deal breaker to the majority of America. I’m disappointed more than anything, but I will continue to fight alongside women and minorities who feel insulted and threatened by [Trump’s] power. Rather than teaching our daughters that they can achieve their dreams, America has taught our sons that they can mistreat, lie, abuse, and still become the most powerful person in the country.
I watched the election in a room filled with young women. We were shocked and confused, angry and frightened. But we were together, and we knew that we would continue to care for each other, no matter what happens next."
Sierra, 22, coordinator for a health nonprofit
“Personally, as a queer woman of color who is nowhere close to ‘Trump-voter-passing,’ for lack of better words, I have no doubt that the aggression of his supporters’ victory will be detrimental to my feeling of safety and security walking around. I have friends who are rushing to get their IUDs before January, and I’m considering getting one myself even though I’m dating a woman. Even abortions for nonconsensual pregnancies are at stake and who knows what could happen.”
Audrey Clayton, 21, senior at the University of Michigan
“I think [Harris] had a very specific and special message for young people to keep fighting, because she knows that many of us are impatient for change. And, you know, her slogan for a lot of the campaign has been, ‘When we fight, we win,’ and we didn't win this one. But that doesn't mean that we're not going to win the bigger fight for progress. So for me, it's all about looking towards 2026. That starts today. Thinking about what kind of soul searching the Democratic Party needs to do to identify why we're losing some of these young voters.”
Arizona
Camryn (she/her), 25, December 2023 graduate of Arizona State University (ASU)
“I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that the results of this election are even real. It genuinely feels like a joke. I’m scared as a woman, but also as a woman of color.
“I knew that the country didn’t care about women the way they do with other topics due to Roe being overturned, but maybe I just didn’t want to believe that we could be hated this much. I just can’t comprehend people not choosing basic human rights. The country was already doing terribly, but now I can’t even imagine how much worse it’s about to become.
"The worst part is, and I’m sure a lot of other people may feel this way, I feel so helpless. I think the only positive side to this whole election is Prop 139, [a ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution] being passed here in Arizona.”
Fatima Gabir, junior majoring in journalism and mass communication at ASU
“Kamala Harris’s campaign was definitely flawed, especially on her stance on Gaza. But I honestly didn’t expect her to lose by that much. I think myself and others didn’t realize how far-right this country has become until today. The only thing Donald Trump ran on was fear-mongering, and it worked on many voters. I think right now we’re spending too much time blaming individuals and demographics instead of the people of power.”
Milagros, 22, central regional organizer at the Arizona Students’ Association
“The passing of Prop 314 [a ballot measure to expand state- and local-level immigration enforcement] will instill fear among our most vulnerable communities. …We fought to protect our communities from increased profiling, discrimination, and intimidation, especially toward those who are already marginalized. Our state should be a place of inclusion and safety for all, not one where policies foster division and suspicion.”
Bryce, 21, senior and chair of the Young Democratic Socialists of America at ASU
“I somewhat saw this coming and was emotionally prepared for the outcome, but I won’t lie that the way it played out shocked me. I didn’t expect him to win so decisively. I thought it would be much closer. But most importantly, I’m ready to keep fighting. This country is still the same fundamentally broken country it was before November 5th, and I am more energized than ever to keep organizing for real change.
"I spent election night with some close friends watching the race. We were in our living room watching MSNBC’s coverage when Fox became the first major network to call Pennsylvania and the race itself, and then we watched Trump’s victory speech. It all felt surreal. I felt like I was transported back to 2016, like I was in middle school again.
"I think Harris lost because she decided that she wanted to run as a Republican. Running to the right of Joe Biden signaled to many voters that there was no point in voting for her because, regardless, you’re essentially voting for Republican policies, especially on immigration, Palestine/foreign policy, and other issues. I also think refusing to distinguish herself from Joe Biden, a historically unpopular candidate, played a huge role.
"Many people will try to blame leftists, Palestinians, or other marginalized groups for her loss, but, ultimately, the blame lands squarely on the Democratic Party, Harris herself, and Joe Biden. They messed up big time, and handed the country off to a fascist.
"To find something positive, I want to highlight the success of Prop 139. For the first time in the history of the state, abortion is now a fundamental and protected right in Arizona. …The passage of this measure reflects that progressive policies are popular among Americans, even when Democrats are not.
"I’d like to highlight the necessity for young people to not give up. The struggle for equality and justice does not start and end at the ballot box. Get involved and get organized. We cannot rely on the Democratic Party to defend our rights and freedoms. We must defend them ourselves.”
Hayden Nguyen (he/him), 19, sophomore and co-chair of Students for Justice in Palestine at ASU
“During this campaign cycle, I worked as a canvasser for some local candidates with the [Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee]. Through this work, I, like many of my colleagues, bought into the notion that Harris would win. Whether it was because of the delusion that Trump was unelectable and insane or the blind optimism of the hundreds of volunteers I saw every weekend, I believed she’d come out ahead.
"Around 8 p.m., I was at a watch party with my fellow organizers when votes were counting up in Pennsylvania. This is when I realized that Harris and the Democratic Party were hours away from a crushing defeat. …As the votes continued to come in, a rush of memories came to my head, like when [Texas Senate candidate] Colin Allred said his transphobic remarks, or every time that the Democratic Party reaffirmed ‘Israel’s right to defend itself.’ I was angry for the thousands of volunteers and young Democrats who sacrificed their blood, sweat, and tears for a campaign which has betrayed leftist ideals on every level.”
Pennsylvania
Liana Secondino, 21, journalism major at Lehigh University
“I’m feeling defeated. After the whole waiting on line for six hours [to vote], and hoping that Northampton County would be blue. It’s like coming off of an adrenaline high.”
Aliya Ali, 20, political science and sociology minor at Lehigh University
“As a member of the Ethiopian American community, I feel so frustrated that members of our community thought that voting for Trump was a form of protest against the Democratic politicians who haven’t addressed the political turmoil.
"I feel like there is also a larger conversation to be had on the complacency of the Democratic Party whenever we have a devastating loss in seats or presidential elections.”
Florida
Cecilia Llamas, 21, senior at the University of Miami
“I feel everything at once: anger, sadness, frustration, shock, and betrayal. I am gutted and ashamed for those who voted for him — a twice-impeached, convicted felon, and [alleged] rapist who, above all else, undermines and threatens our democracy and planet.
"I am worried that the Trump administration will reverse climate change measures and infrastructure investments. I’m afraid he’ll cause irreparable damage to the economy, immigrants, our school systems, health care, and democracy. His proposed economic plan is harmful to the national deficit and detrimental to consumers. I am also concerned about the rise of hate crimes. Having a racist individual as the leader of our country sends a very strong message about the values of this country.”
Emma Dominguez, 22, recent graduate of the University of Miami
“I feel extremely disheartened and upset by the results, and honestly surprised about the popular vote as well. It’s hard to put into words what it’s felt like to realize that the majority voted against the interests of women and other marginalized communities. It’s been really sobering to see…. I am also extremely disheartened at the fact that Amendment 4 [to enshrine abortion rights in Florida’s constitution] did not pass. The fact that Florida relies on a supermajority to pass amendments feels counterintuitive and is preventing its citizens from being heard.”
Daniela Osorio, 22, recent graduate of the University of Tampa
“I am absolutely heartbroken at the election results. Not only because of who ended up in office, but also seeing people who I felt were close to me vote for someone and align themselves with politics that are actively harmful to the communities that I and they exist in.
"There are so many things I am worried about with the Trump administration: access to lifesaving health care; immigration policies that are going to be separating families and taking away existing rights for immigrants, especially being a first-generation American; and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, specifically trans individuals who are now one of the main targets in this country.”
Diana La Torre, 21, senior at the University of Miami
“I feel distress. The results showed that a majority of American citizens do not care about progress and the protection of basic human rights for all. Instead, they prefer to revert back to times that subjected minority groups to prejudice and hate. I am afraid for my future along with the future of those I love.
"I’m most worried about potential new policies that will limit women’s right to choose, the lives that could be lost due to a lack of gun regulations, and mass deportation laws that will impact the Latino community — my community. There are many things about this administration that worry me and, I can’t lie, it feels hopeless.”
Georgia
Sage Hamilton, student at Georgia State University (GSU)
“Even though it seems like we’re divided, even though somebody may have a different opinion, you can still come together. We can still try to not focus on the hate and still try to unify.”
Ifama Frazier, sophomore at GSU
“It’s unbelievable that there’s someone that’s actively fighting against our basic human rights, and it’s even more frustrating that he’s in office.”
Nolan Daly, sophomore at GSU
“I don’t love [Trump’s] morals. I don’t love a lot of his personality, but I think that he was just the better of two bad candidates. But I really do like his policies on the economy, and I like his policies on certain rights like abortion, which he does give to the states, instead of just outright banning it.”
Juno Zellner, GSU student
“Everybody’s really sad, and most people I’ve talked to today have been crying, mostly nonstop. So I’m happy that I’m seeing at least everybody’s able to push through, but even my professor canceled class early. Assignments have been pushed. It’s definitely feeling like we’re in mourning.”
Christian Pao, sophomore journalism student at GSU
“I think that the journalist field, just in general, is almost getting backed up into a corner where we’re having to report on everything objectively and factually as possible. But when we have someone in a position of power who — for years now — has been spewing lies and misinformation and disinformation, it is really difficult to try to report on that factually and objectively, while also trying to sort of cut that down a couple of pegs and say outright, like, ‘No, this isn’t true at all, but we still need to report on it because this is the president we’re talking about.’”
Wisconsin
Charlene Huynh (she/any), 20, senior studying sociology and communication arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
“One of the main reasons [Harris] lost is because she really abandoned the left. One of the big topics she was being pressed on was, of course, Palestine. Instead of giving people a policy or a stance that told them she would actually try to do something about the genocide, she instead ignored them and used virtue signaling to try to get that vote. But, ultimately, she decided to pander to the moderates, and the moderate right, which I think made her lose even more people on the left.
"I think another thing is that her platform focuses a lot on the urban middle class…which ignores a large majority of the American population who are working-class or rural voters. That’s where Trump comes in, because he just knows how to use populism to get those votes.
"I think we’ve seen that this system will fail us no matter what, and we have to just try to come together and put all our efforts in towards something greater because we can’t rely on the president or our representatives.”
Honor Durham (she/her), 21, senior studying political science at UW-Madison
“The only thing that the Democrats could have done differently is to actually have Joe Biden step aside earlier. If he had not chosen to run again, and they had a normal Democratic primary, maybe that would have changed the outcome. But if we’re just talking about July onwards, I actually don’t think there’s much Kamala Harris could have done differently. …Obviously not everybody was thrilled with her or her policy standpoints, but given what she had to work with and the short amount of time that she had, I think she did a pretty solid job, and it’s a shame that it didn’t come through yesterday.
“I think most people are just feeling generally really, really apprehensive about what the next four years are going to bring, or even what the future of elections is going to look like. …It seems unimaginable that it’s going to get worse, but I sense that maybe it probably will, because of the types of people he’s surrounding himself with, and also the fact that there’s not a lot of Democratic checks and balances in Congress or in the Supreme Court.”
August Easton-Calabria (they/them), 28, graduate student at UW-Madison and organizer with Socialist Alternative
“I don’t think that [Democrats] presented working people with a coherent argument for why we should be voting for them. I think that leaves a lot of space for Trump and the right wing to grow and to capture people’s attention. So, unfortunately, I’m not particularly surprised. …What we know about the first Trump presidency is that his policies and his agenda are not written in stone yet. It’s going to take mass movements and working-class action to fight back, but it is absolutely possible. …His agenda, and the far-right agenda, is not inevitable.”
Sylvia Reinebach (she/her), 22, UW-Madison
“I feel that progressive and people on the left lost the message of how they were going to help the working-class and that’s how this was lost.
"Now we’re facing a huge majority of people that voted for somebody who denies climate change, and I’m really scared of that. That is probably the worst part of this. And how we’ve just showed all of the women and young girls of this country that even if you [allegedly] repeatedly assault women and talk bad about them, you can become a two-term president and the most powerful man in the world. That’s utterly disappointing. But I have hope this will wake people up, and that we will keep organizing.”
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