A 20-year-old has raised millions of dollars for his Democrat PAC targeted at Gen Z voters. As the founder of ForwardBlue, David Austin aims to engage young people who might feel disconnected from voter organizations filled with older gens. The strategy to do so includes unconventional marketing tactics—a method he calls “everything but TV.” This includes sending texts, running digital ads in video games and on dating apps like Grindr, and ads in public locations like college campuses, all with a tone relatable to young people. And having been engaged in politics since middle school, Austin has identified what kind of messaging does and does not connect with young voters. Clearly, he’s done so successfully, as the Super-PAC has managed to raise nearly $18M, engaging about 500K donors, and making 3.5M voter contacts. (NBC News)
📊 YPulse data: 75% of 18-24-year-olds agree, “I wish there were more ways for young people to get involved in politics”
