Alyssa Wahlborg knows that her politics don’t always gel with that of the community where she attends college. 

While a lot of students and faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater might lean left, the larger community “leans a bit red,” she told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.” Nevertheless, Wahlborg sees hope that the Democratic Party can make gains in rural Walworth County and elsewhere. 

“Having conversations with people on our campus makes you realize how blue we can get, and how we can flip our district,” Wahlborg said. “We even flipped our city council blue. We (elected) Democrats to our school boards.”

Democrats have found new optimism since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.

“There really is a passion that we’re seeing kind of reemerge now that Kamala Harris is the nominee,” Wahlborg said. “We’re just finding a lot more excitement on our campus, even when we’re canvassing. We’re finding excitement as we’re connecting with voters and young people, especially.”

That surge in optimism is noticeable on college campuses around Wisconsin, said leaders from College Democrats of Wisconsin. “Wisconsin Today” connected with three student political activists ahead of the Democratic Convention in Chicago. 

In July, “Wisconsin Today” heard the perspectives of three College Republican leaders ahead of the Republican Convention in Milwaukee.  

Tufts University reports that 8 million citizens have reached voting age for the 2024 presidential election.  Although young people haven’t historically voted in high numbers, there are signs that that is changing, especially in Wisconsin.

The U.S Census Bureau reported that Wisconsin led the nation in the percentage of people under 25 who voted in the 2022 Midterms. 

Matthew Lehner, the chair of the College Democrats of Wisconsin and a student at UW-Eau Claire, said that the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning federal abortion rights is motivating young people. 

“Voters don’t forget what politicians and people in power do to them, and we certainly will not forget what was handed down by the six right wing justices on the Supreme Court,” Lehner said. 

Climate change is also on the minds of many young voters, Lehner said. “We are in the fight for our climate, we’re in the fight for our planet,” he said. “Young people are looking to politicians of all parties and asking, ‘What are you going to do to protect the environment? What are you going to do to reduce emissions?’”

Wahlborg said that economic issues are also important, including the cost of higher education and providing healthy food to places that are food deserts. 

While the students are energized by Harris’ elevation to the top of the ticket, Sam Brewer, a Lawrence senior who is active with Lawrence Student Democrats, is just as excited by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz being named the vice presidential pick. 

Brewer is a Minnesota native who spent time this summer canvassing for Democrats in his home state. 

“I might be a little biased. Walz has been my governor, and I feel like he’s done a great job,” Brewer said. “It’s incredible when you look at the things that he’s accomplished. He’s provided free meals to children in schools. He’s worked to allocate money towards affordable housing. He’s helped enshrine reproductive freedom here in Minnesota. He did this all with a very slim legislative majority. Walz really has delivered for Minnesota, and I look forward to seeing him deliver for the United States.”