CHICAGO — This week, the Windy City became a hub of activity for Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla, who at 27 is the first member of Gen Z in the U.S. House. Frost made a significant presence at the Democratic National Convention, where he nominated Kamala Harris for president.
Frost participated in various events, including a Democratic Hispanic Caucus meeting, addressing key issues related to the environment and climate crisis. He also spoke at a panel hosted by Axios and was featured in interviews with major media outlets such as ABC News, PBS, the Washington Post, and Politico.
During a breakfast meeting with Florida delegates, Frost asserted, “We know that Florida is in play. We know that Florida is coming back.” He is scheduled to speak at the United Center on the final night of the convention, marking his first attendance at such an event.
Despite feeling under the weather and losing his voice, Frost communicated through a note to the Democratic youth caucus, indicating the need to save his voice for his evening address.
Political analysts believe Frost has emerged as a prominent young voice within the Democratic Party, comparable to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His party hopes that he can energize younger voters, who typically lean Democratic but often struggle with voter turnout.
Frost represents the progressive perspectives that many young voters hold, which are crucial for the party’s success in upcoming elections. He is keenly aware of the importance of mobilizing these voters to secure victories in the presidency, Senate, and House.
Having grown up with adoptive parents who fled Cuba in the 1960s, Frost became involved in activism at a young age, particularly after the Sandy Hook tragedy. His commitment to addressing gun violence was further galvanized by the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, alongside his advocacy for racial justice and voting rights.
After winning a competitive primary for the House seat in 2022, Frost represents a diverse Orlando district that heavily supported Biden in the last election. He has highlighted housing policy as a key issue, reflecting on his struggles to find affordable living in Washington, D.C., and supporting Kamala Harris’s housing initiatives at the convention.
Frost’s rise has not come without scrutiny from the far-left, but he has navigated the complex landscape of the Democratic Party, especially amid ongoing debates regarding Israel and Palestine. He firmly backs the Harris-Walz ticket, emphasizing the dire consequences of a potential Trump presidency.
“They want mass deportations, and nothing will be done about the climate crisis,” Frost said, stressing the urgency of the upcoming election. “Kamala Harris is going to save lives.”
Democratic strategist Steve Schale, who initially had reservations about Frost, has since changed his mind, predicting a bright future for him in politics. Meanwhile, political scientist Sean Foreman recognizes Frost’s unique appeal among young voters, expressing that he must deliver on legislative efforts to establish broader national recognition as a leader for his generation.