6 moments to watch in 2026 👀
What we’ll learn from Taylor and Travis, a new batch of first-time voters, America at 250 and more
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Happy new year! Heading into 2026, here are six key moments to watch — and what they’ll reveal about the next generation’s habits, mindset, and biggest questions.
2026 midterm elections, and a new cohort of first-time voters
First time 2026 voters were born in 2008 (the start of the financial crisis), and they were just 12-years-old when the Covid-19 pandemic put the world on lockdown (subject to Zoom school, TikTok doomscrolling, and an all out gender war escalating in its wake). They’ve grown up in an entirely different political and social environment than older Gen Zers and will have vastly different political priorities as a result. That context matters as candidates chart their vision for Gen Z voter engagement in 2026.
Despite misconceptions about generational apathy, Gen Z voters have consistently turned out in high numbers (even in 2025). The open question is whether that momentum carries into 2026. I’ll be keeping an eye on the politicians who message effectively to this demo, suspecting the ones who do will focus on affordability, an evolving definition of the American Dream, AI, and abundance.
Taylor Swift x Travis Kelce wedding
America’s favorite couple is reportedly set to get married this year. I find it interesting that while Gen Z is skeptical of marriage (and shying away from it for themselves), they’re obsessed with Taylor and Travis’ engagement-era. Look for this wedding to not only dominate pop-culture, but also stir up an ongoing debate amongst young adults about marriage, gender roles, and the traditional family.
FIFA world cup
Short-form FIFA. Gen Z has led a revolution in how soccer is clipped, watched, and enjoyed. The international sporting event and surrounding activities will reveal key insights about young adults’ media consumption habits — not just in the U.S., but around the world — with lessons for other industries.
Gen Alpha
As Gen Alpha continues to drive household spending, attention will focus on them too. But it’s not just Gen Alpha’s consumer habits that are forming. Their world view, politics, and relationships are too, and I’d wager that all becomes more of a conversation this year.
Luigi Mangione and Tyler Robinson trials
As these high-profile trials (resulting from two brutal assassinations) unfold, commentary and controversy surrounding them will be broadcast on an international stage, and undoubtedly live-streamed for all to see, reigniting a vital conversation about violence, justice, and young people’s relationship to both.
America’s 250th Birthday
The milestone will be marked as patriotism is exceptionally low (and of all age cohorts, Gen Z’s national pride is the lowest). Meanwhile, though 40% of young women say they want to leave the U.S. for good, the appetite for nationalism is growing, especially with young men right of center. Our nation’s birthday will spark a viral discussion about what it means to be — and who feels proud to be — an American (and like in many things, there’s surely going to be a gender divide).
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". . .though 40% of young women say they want to leave the U.S. for good, the appetite for nationalism is growing, especially with young men right of center. . ." This sent me back to look up the lyrics to Reuben and Rachel (opposite scenario, kinda), which I'd not thought of for ages.