Santiago Mayer

About the Next Up Award

Spotlighting Tomorrow’s Changemakers Today

This award celebrates a rising leader who refuses to wait for permission to lead. Despite systemic barriers and conventional expectations, they seize the moment and forge new paths, demonstrating that the future of progressive leadership is bold, diverse, and unstoppable. Their vision and audacity preview the movement’s next chapter.

About Santiago Mayer

Santiago Mayer is a political strategist and the founder and Executive Director of Voters of Tomorrow, a Gen Z-led organization dedicated to increasing youth political engagement in the United States. At just 23 years old, Santiago has already established himself as one of the most influential voices in youth political organizing, building a movement that has fundamentally reshaped how young Americans engage with democracy.

Born on December 30, 2001, in Mexico City, Santiago moved to Los Angeles in 2017 and became active in American politics during high school. In 2019, at the age of 17, he founded Voters of Tomorrow to empower young voters and amplify their voices in the political process—demonstrating the exact kind of bold leadership that defines our Next Up Award.

Building a Movement

Under Santiago’s leadership, Voters of Tomorrow has become one of the most dynamic youth political organizations in the country. The organization focuses on meeting young people where they are, using innovative digital strategies and authentic storytelling to make political engagement accessible and compelling for a generation that has grown up with unprecedented challenges.

Santiago’s approach to political organizing reflects a deep understanding that traditional methods often fail to reach young voters. Instead of waiting for existing institutions to adapt, he built new pathways for civic engagement that speak directly to Gen Z’s values, concerns, and communication styles.

Innovation in Action

One of Santiago’s most notable initiatives was co-founding “Prom At The Polls,” a non-partisan campaign aimed at energizing first-time voters who missed their senior prom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This creative approach exemplifies his ability to meet young people where they are emotionally and culturally, transforming disappointment into democratic participation.

His work with the Biden-Harris campaign in 2020 demonstrated his strategic capabilities, while his ongoing advocacy for progressive policies shows his commitment to substantive change rather than just electoral participation.

Digital Leadership

As a prominent Gen Z political commentator, Santiago has amassed a significant following across social media platforms, using his influence to advocate for youth engagement and progressive policies. His authentic voice and strategic use of digital platforms have made him one of the most effective youth political communicators in the country.

Through his newsletter, social media presence, and public speaking, Santiago consistently demonstrates that young leaders don’t need to wait their turn—they can create change right now.

Education and Vision

Santiago graduated from California State University, Long Beach, in 2023 with a degree in Political Science and Global Politics. His academic background, combined with his hands-on organizing experience, gives him both the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to drive meaningful political change.

His vision extends beyond just increasing youth voter turnout. Santiago understands that lasting democratic engagement requires building sustainable institutions, creating authentic connections, and addressing the real concerns that affect young people’s daily lives.

Why Santiago Embodies “Next Up”

Santiago Mayer represents everything the Next Up Award celebrates. Rather than waiting for permission or following traditional pathways, he identified a critical need in our democracy and built innovative solutions to address it. His work demonstrates that the future of progressive leadership is already here—it’s bold, diverse, digitally native, and unstoppable.

At an age when many are just beginning to think about political engagement, Santiago has already founded and led a national organization, influenced major political campaigns, and inspired countless young people to see themselves as agents of democratic change.

His leadership style embodies the values that will define progressive politics in the decades ahead: authentic, inclusive, innovative, and unafraid to challenge existing systems when they fail to serve the people.

Looking Forward

As Santiago continues to build Voters of Tomorrow and expand his influence in progressive politics, he represents the kind of leadership our democracy needs. His commitment to youth engagement, his innovative approach to political organizing, and his ability to inspire others make him exactly the kind of leader the Next Up Award was created to celebrate.

The future of progressive politics is being shaped right now by leaders like Santiago Mayer—leaders who refuse to wait for change and instead create it themselves.

Connect with Santiago

• Personal Website: santiagomayer.com
• Newsletter: Santiago’s Chaotic Thoughts (Substack)
• Bluesky: @santiagomayer.com
• LinkedIn: Santiago Mayer

Voters of Tomorrow: votersoftomorrow.org