Gen Z candidates make history as youngest politicians elected to Congress

Melat Kiros, a prominent critic of Israel's genocide in besieged Gaza, has urged an arms embargo on Israel and an end to US military support. (Photo/AP)

Two politicians in their twenties are among the youngest candidates elected to the US Congress in the midterm elections, bringing a new generation of voices into national politics.

Republican Michael Alfonso, 26, defeated Democrat Fred Clark in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, becoming the youngest member of the House of Representatives and the first person born in the 2000s to serve in Congress.

A political newcomer and son-in-law of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Alfonso ran on an "America First" platform and strongly supported President Donald Trump.

His campaign focused on conservative priorities, including education, healthcare and vocational training.

"As the youngest member and a new dad, I have a real stake in the future," Alfonso said on X.

I’m deeply humbled that the voters of WI-7 put their trust in me. I’m going to Congress with one job: put America and Wisconsin first. As the youngest member and a new dad, I have a real stake in the future. We must make the American dream affordable again. That is the only way we stop the communist left from winning over young people. The prosperity of American citizens is all that matters. Let’s get to work????????
— Michael Alfonso (@MikeAlfonsoWI) November 4, 2026

Democrat Melat Kiros, 29, an Ethiopian-born lawyer and democratic socialist, won Colorado's 1st Congressional District, becoming the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress.

She previously defeated longtime Democratic incumbent Diana DeGette in the party primary.

Kiros, a prominent critic of Israel's genocide in besieged Gaza, has urged an arms embargo on Israel and an end to US military support.

She supports Medicare for All and universal childcare.

Alfonso and Kiros join Florida Democrat Maxwell Frost, 29, the first Gen Z member of Congress, elected in 2022.

Frost, who supports Palestinian self-determination, secured another term in 2026 without facing an opponent on the ballot.

In Texas, James Talarico — 37 — became the youngest member of the US Senate.

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Source: TRT