A New Political Movement for New York

New York, along with cities and states across the country, is entering a period of profound political realignment. Traditional ideological labels are losing their hold with more voters identifying as politically independent. Meanwhile, the future is being lost to the fringes as organized factions on both the right and the left are rapidly filling the vacuum, especially among young voters disenchanted with the political establishment and their generation’s economic prospects. The result is a growing sense of alienation and discontent among younger voters and working professionals who do not see themselves represented by either party.

Recent surveys underscore the scale of this shift. According to Gallup, 45% of Americans now identify as Independents, the highest level ever recorded. Among younger generations, the trend is even more pronounced: 54% of Millennials and 56% of Gen Z identify as Independents, rejecting both major parties not out of apathy or political disengagement, but out of frustration.

Their disapproval is driven by lived experience. Young Americans are experiencing historically high housing costs, mounting student debt, fiscal and political instability, climate risks, rapid technological changes, and bleak career prospects. In the most recent Harvard Youth Poll, only 13% of voters aged 18–29 believe the country is headed in the right direction. Nearly half say they are struggling financially, only 30% think they will be better off than their parents, and 59% view artificial intelligence as a threat to their job opportunities.

Disillusionment with their prospects for the future has translated into skepticism with broader economic systems and political institutions. In a March 2025 national survey conducted by the Cato Institute and YouGov, 62% of Americans aged 18–29 reported a favorable view of socialism, and more than a third expressed favorable opinions of communism. A November 2025 survey by researchers at the University of Chicago found that 56% of Millennials and Gen Z hold unfavorable views of the Democratic Party, while 62% hold unfavorable views of the Republican Party. Among young voters, current systems are perceived as broken and incapable of delivering economic stability and progress.

This dissatisfaction does not point to a single ideological destination, however. Instead, voters remain split on how to address these challenges. The recent Yale Youth Poll found 46% of voters want a return to basic stability, while another 46% want significant structural change. Only 4 percent believe no real changes are needed. 

Younger generations are searching for systems that work, leaders who deliver results, and institutions capable of adapting to rapid economic and technological change. The even split between voters seeking basic stability and those seeking radical reform underscores a central opportunity: a broad, underorganized constituency open to pragmatic solutions but unconvinced that existing political coalitions can deliver them. 

This is the space where a new movement can emerge, grounded in evidence, focused on outcomes, and capable of translating frustration into constructive engagement.

Read our Blueprint for the Future of New York to see how we are mobilizing a new movement of builders.

Promoting a vision for New York’s future requires a durable movement that can sustain itself beyond election sprints, shape public understanding, and support leaders committed to delivering results. It requires an investment in ideas and infrastructure to mobilize voters, back new leaders and priorities, and change the conditions so that pragmatism prevails over populism in politics. The effort must also cultivate cross-sector coalitions, use engaging media to explore the nuance of arguments, advance bold and practical policies, and build the political will needed to chart a new course for the future.

This foundation can ensure that New York’s future is not shaped solely by the loudest or most ideologically rigid voices, but by a broad coalition of independent, reform-minded builders committed to making the city and state work better. Achieving this goal requires reframing civic engagement for working professionals and business leaders not as partisan political activity, but as institution-building critical for advancing economic growth and opportunity in New York.

By convening cross-sector leaders from business, government, and civil society, The Future Forum offers a platform to foster collaboration on shared challenges beyond traditional ideological divides. This includes backing smart solutions and results-oriented leaders and maintaining engagement outside campaign cycles, allowing longer time horizons, trust-building, and intellectual honesty.

But to be successful, this movement must grow big, fast, and be credible, durable, and grounded in reality. By investing in media, engagement, and cross-sector infrastructure, our work can help promote pragmatic governance, mobilize the next generation of supporters, and chart a new course beyond the old political spectrum. If pursued with discipline and ambition, this endeavor can reshape the civic trajectory of New York and the nation for decades to come.

Read our Blueprint for the Future of New York.