Gen Z Hosts Bipartisan Debate at UNLV Amid Growing Political Divide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Las Vegas, NV — In a time of increasing political polarization, a group of young leaders in Las Vegas is working to change the narrative.

The Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas (GZLV), in collaboration with the College Republicans at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), hosted Across the Aisle Vol. 3, a multi-candidate debate bringing together voices from across the political spectrum for a structured and student-centered discussion.

Held on the UNLV campus, the event featured candidates running for offices including Congress, Governor, State Legislature, and local county positions. The forum focused on key issues impacting Nevadans, particularly younger voters, including housing affordability, cost of living, education, public safety, and the future of jobs in an AI-driven economy.

“At a time when most political spaces are divided, we wanted to create something different. An environment where people can engage, challenge ideas, and actually listen to one another,” said Marlon A. Medina, founder of the Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas and moderator of the event.

The debate emphasized open dialogue over partisanship, with candidates offering differing perspectives on pressing issues while engaging directly with student concerns. Discussions highlighted the growing frustration among younger generations surrounding rising costs, limited access to homeownership, and uncertainty about future career opportunities.

One of the most impactful moments of the evening came during the student Q&A, where attendees challenged candidates on voter engagement and asked why Gen Z should participate in the political process at all. Candidates across the board acknowledged that younger voters remain underrepresented, despite being among those most affected by policy decisions.

“Smaller races are often decided by a relatively small number of votes,” one candidate noted, underscoring the influence Gen Z voters could have if turnout increases.

The event also addressed the role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, with candidates debating whether AI will serve as a tool for innovation or a threat to economic stability and job security.

Across the Aisle Vol. 3 marks the continued growth of GZLV as a grassroots initiative aimed at fostering civic engagement and encouraging critical thinking among young people. What began as a small virtual discussion has evolved into a live forum attracting candidates, students, and community members alike.

The Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas maintains a nonpartisan stance, emphasizing respectful discourse and structured conversation over endorsement or advocacy.

The full debate replay is now available here:

Additional highlights and short-form content from the event will be released across GZLV platforms in the coming weeks.

About Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas

The Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas is a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting civic engagement, leadership development, and open dialogue among young people. Through initiatives like the Across the Aisle debate series, GZLV provides a platform for meaningful conversations that connect students with the political process.

Media Contact:

Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas
[email protected]
702-747-1674
gzlv.org