The number one problem facing the country is political corruption, according to a 2025 Texas Politics Project survey. Regardless of where on the spectrum politicians fall, it is essential that they work toward reducing that perception to create a legislature and government that all citizens can exist within comfortably — without fear of corruption. To do so, politicians should put more effort into connecting with students and local communities.
Trust in politicians is not the only thing lacking in terms of younger voters; trust in the political system as a whole has also become a major challenge to maintaining and strengthening their connection to democracy. According to a 2025 report, only 16% of youth agree or strongly agree that democracy is working well for young people. In the face of such challenges, it is imperative that we induce strategies that reconnect young adults to political institutions. When there is this huge lack of trust in our democracy, it is no wonder why the perception of political corruption is such an enormous issue for Texans.
“I am a strong believer in free speech and modeling appropriate citizen behavior,” government professor Daron Shaw said. “I assume (bringing in political speakers to campus) can have positive effects on how young people view politics and civil discourse.”
But what exactly is causing such a lack of civic engagement? According to the AAMC Center for Health Justice, among individuals ages 14 to 17, the top two answers were “lack of connectedness or not seeing the value in engagement” (31%) and “lack of knowledge or awareness” of civic engagement activities (29%). With an increase in politician engagement on college campuses, we could facilitate new youth engagement and create new opportunities for young adults to gain knowledge, awareness and connectedness in regards to their place in the political landscape.
Organizations such as the University Democrats have invited speakers such as Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Beto O’Rourke. The Turning Point USA chapter at UT has also welcomed speakers such as Charlie Kirk and Chloe Cole. We should continue to promote and foster spaces like these on campus and urge other universities to do the same.
“I think just visiting college campuses more and seeing what the average college student is actually doing, rather than just assuming what they’re doing (could help create an atmosphere of trust among young voters), especially because a lot of bills are directly affecting us now,” said Aalia Dhuka, advertising and English junior.
Such engagement is not only beneficial to the community, but it is also advantageous to the politicians themselves. Community engagement improves the efficiency, legitimacy and transparency of their decision-making, leading to more informed legislation based on the local needs, opinions and visions of the local communities that support them. Moreover, by creating forums that communicate the needs and interests of all involved (including the politicians themselves), we increase acceptance of decisions and community commitment. Thus, we advance public and political dedication to outcomes that create inclusive and effective solutions that enable better public and political decisions.
Gray is an anthropology, government and economics junior from Baytown, Texas.