Democrats gained ground with young men in the 2025 off-cycle contests, but turning those gains into a durable midterm edge in 2026 will be difficult for a party still split on major issues.

Network exit polls show a pattern across several states: in Virginia, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger posted her strongest numbers with men aged 18 to 29; in New Jersey, Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill carried the group by 14 points over Jack Ciattarelli; and in New York City, Mayor.-elect Zohran Mamdani won support from more than 6-in-10 men of the youngest bracket.