Democrats lure ‘politically homeless’ Gen Z toward socialism — a counterattack is taking shape

Democrats are targeting "politically homeless" young people by offering them a sense of belonging, conservative activist CJ Pearson warned, arguing that the left is aggressively steering Gen Z toward socialism and DEI.

"When I look at why young people are at least flirting with socialism right now, I think it's because they're politically homeless. I think they're looking for a place where they feel heard, where they feel seen," said Pearson.

Pearson’s warning comes as he launches Next250, a political action committee aimed at organizing young conservatives, registering voters in swing states and countering support for socialism and DEI among Gen Z. The PAC also plans to spend $1 million on digital ads targeting young and minority voters in Georgia.

Pearson said Democrats have been more aggressive than conservatives in reaching young voters who feel politically alienated or uncertain about where they belong.

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"The left is vigilant," he said. "Every single day, they are trying to indoctrinate America’s young people. Every single day, they’re trying to pollute their minds with untruths and just downright delusion."

Pearson pointed to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has embraced the democratic socialist label and supported government-run grocery stores, rent freezes and universal child care.

The movement also gained ground when three congressional candidates endorsed by Mamdani — Brad Lander, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier — won their Democratic primaries.

"What I am saying to my generation who are looking at folks like Mamdani as potential solutions to a problem," said Pearson.

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Pearson said he sees a similar dynamic at play in the debate over diversity, equity and inclusion, arguing the policies have fostered what he called the "soft bigotry of low expectations."

"The left loves to put young Black men like me in boxes. I'm a young Black man who grew up in the Deep South to a mother who chose life, who was raised by his grandparents," said Pearson.

Despite what he described as the left’s assumptions about his background, Pearson said the values he learned growing up — including faith, patriotism and a strong work ethic — made conservatism a natural fit.

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Since taking office, the Trump administration has sought to roll back DEI initiatives throughout the federal government, arguing the programs promote discrimination and merit should guide hiring and admissions decisions.

Pearson said he is building on his success organizing events for young conservatives to launch Next250, a political action committee aimed at countering support for socialism and DEI on college campuses.

His PAC will go head-to-head with the ideology embraced by younger students by rallying conservatives in deep blue areas and swing states for voter registration.

He sees partnering with fraternities and sororities as a way to build a force capable of pushing back against socialism and DEI.

"We're going to take this MAGA party on the road. We're going go to swing states like Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa. And we're going to throw these events and we're going to welcome young people around to them and we are going to have voter registration. We are going get them to the polls," said Pearson.

He added that the left's embrace of socialism and DEI candidates has already backfired for them.

The left wants to "accuse us being a Nazi. Well, that man had a Nazi tattoo on his chest and Democrats had no problem with it," said Pearson referencing former Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner who withdrew his candidacy after a bombshell rape allegation.

Pearson also plans to deploy $1 million for digital ads that target both young and minority voters in his home state of Georgia.

"America has been on a generational run, a 250-year run that was marketed by innovation, opportunity, and truly the hallmark and the pillars of the American dream. But if the left gets their way, there will not be another 250 years," said Pearson.