The political arena is shifting, and Gen Z is at the center of it. Across the country, young Black lawmakers are stepping up to statehouses and Congress, turning grassroots organizing into real policy. Raised in an era defined by economic shifts, climate concerns, and digital activism, these young leaders are bringing lived experiences directly into government.
They are doing more than just breaking age barriers, they're pushing agendas focused on housing, civil rights, education, and social justice. From Capitol Hill to local capitals, these 12 Gen Z Black legislators are shaping policy and showing what modern leadership looks like.
Maxwell Frost made history as the first Gen Z member elected to the U.S. Congress, representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District. A former organizing director for March for Our Lives, he centers his work on gun violence prevention, housing affordability, public transit, and environmental policy.
Zaynab Mohamed became one of the first Black women and the youngest woman elected to the Minnesota State Senate, representing District 63 in Minneapolis. Born in Somalia and raised in Minnesota, she focuses her legislative efforts on workers' rights, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and healthcare access.
RaShon Young serves in the Florida House of Representatives for District 40 as the first Gen Z Democrat in the state legislature. A former NASA engineer and legislative chief of staff, he combines technical experience with policy strategy to address state infrastructure and economic development.
Munira Abdullahi is the first Somali-American elected to the Ohio House of Representatives, serving District 9. Her legislative priorities center on public education, youth programs, healthcare equity, and community support initiatives across Ohio.
Mana Abdi made history as one of the first Somali-Americans elected to the Maine House of Representatives, representing District 95 in Lewiston. Her focus areas include housing security, economic support for working-class families, and racial equity.
Keishan Scott serves in the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 50, entering as the youngest member of the General Assembly. A former city council member and paralegal, Scott focuses on rural healthcare access, public education investment, and local business growth.
Kalan Haywood was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly for District 16 in Milwaukee as one of the youngest state lawmakers in the country. His legislative focus centers on economic development, public safety reform, and expanded youth employment programs.
Justis Gibbs represents District 72 in the Mississippi House of Representatives. An attorney with degrees from Howard University and the University of Mississippi, Gibbs focuses on workforce development, education funding, healthcare access, and regional infrastructure.
Julian Ivey served in the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 47A in Prince George's County after starting his career on the Cheverly Town Council. His legislative work emphasized police accountability, environmental protection, funding for public schools, and housing access.
Jordan Lopez serves in the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 112 as the youngest lawmaker in the state’s General Assembly and its first Afro-Latino member. A former policy analyst, he focuses on public education support, infrastructure, and economic growth.
Darrin Madison, Jr. represents District 10 in the Wisconsin State Assembly. With a background in grassroots community organizing and environmental justice, Madison works on policy related to climate resilience, accessible housing, and criminal justice reform.