The Next Generation

From the beginning, Kumar’s community engagement has focused largely on younger people. Before campaigning, Kumar operated bootcamps for entrepreneurship and computer science aimed to benefit disadvantaged youth. Young people, including high-school and college students, play an important role in his campaign through a structured internship program. His volunteers have focused on door-to-door canvassing, developing applications and even creating TikTok videos for his campaign’s account, some of which have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.

“Getting young people involved, engaging them in their community, as well as promoting the importance of education, is not just an important demographic in this district, it is crucial for a thriving and sustainable future of this country,” Kumar said. “The younger minds bring unique approaches; they are more technology aware, and social media aware.”

Westmont High School freshman Deetya Rajan volunteered after discovering Kumar’s internship program. As an intern, Deetya incorporated Kumar’s policies and core messages into TikTok videos over the summer promoting Kumar as a progressive supporting legislation like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. She also participated in Kumar’s assertive canvassing strategy, going door-to-door and campaigning with friends.

“I think his strategies in reaching out to local students have been effective, as even before I joined the campaign, I had people come to my house and campaign to my family,” Deetya said. “I always saw his lawn signs around my neighborhood and I also heard about it from friends.”

Kumar’s campaign remains confident in its core populist message, and it’s betting on branding through canvassing and promotion to carry his campaign, especially through younger students.

“I ask every student to take up one cause and never stop fighting for it,” said Kumar. “If this young generation decides to vote and take the lead, they can move mountains. The next generation gives me hope.”