Sharp differences generations in partisan, ideological identification between younger and folder generations % of each generation who are
In 2016, as in recent years, Millennials and Gen Xers were the most Democratic generations. And both groups had relatively large – and growing – shares of liberal Democrats: 27% of Millennials and 21% of Gen Xers identified as liberal Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents.
By contrast, Boomers and Silents were the most Republican groups – largely because of the higher shares of conservative Republicans in these generations. Nearly a third of Boomers (31%) and 36% of Silents described themselves as conservative Republicans or Republican leaners, which also is higher than in the past.
The differences in partisan identification across generations are most apparent in the shares of liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans in each. All four groups have comparable numbers when it comes to groups in the middle: conservative and moderate Democrats and moderate and liberal Republicans.
Sharp differences generations in partisan, ideological identification between younger  | and folder generations  | % of each generation who are  | Cons/ Mod  | Liberal  | Moderate/Lib  | Conservative  | independent  | Dem/l ean Dem  | Dem/Lean Cons/ Dem  | Rep/l ean Rep  | Rep/Lean Rep  | no lean  | Total  | 21%  | 27%  | 14%  | 25%  | 11  | Millennial (18-35)  | 27  | 27  | 16  | 17  | 12  | Generation X (36 51)  | 21  | 27  | 14  | 23  | 13  | 9  | 17  | 27  | 13  | 31  | Baby Boomer (52- 70)  | 15  | 26  | 12  | 36  | 8  | Silent (71-88)  | Note: Don 1 know responses not shown,  | Source: Based on merged Pew Research Center surveys conducted in 2016  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 