Is the military woke? Democrats make political gains among America's warriors.

While veterans have for decades leaned toward Republican candidates in presidential elections, recent trends suggest a growing number of veterans support Democratic candidates. The change is fueled by a younger, more diverse veteran population.

Although more than 70% of veterans are white, a growing number of minorities have joined and stayed in the military, leading to a more diverse veteran population and one that is more receptive to liberal policies and politicians.

For the first time in two decades, both parties feature veterans on the presidential ticket ? Democrat Tim Walz served in the Army National Guard and Republican JD Vance served in the Marines. Both parties also are actively courting the military vote.

Growing up, I was surrounded by veterans. My brothers, uncles, cousins and aunts all served in the military, most of them in the Army. Two of my cousins chose a different route, joining the Navy.

Though they all agreed to serve our nation and protect our country’s flag, not all of their ideals aligned with the conservative values of many of their peers. They were a part of a marginalized community, often underserved and unheard.

They, like all other service members, were not allowed to share their partisan political ideals within the ranks, but as Black Americans, any infraction was met with severe punishment, so they fell in line, keeping their mouths shut and their feet marching.

Younger military service members are more liberal

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The Civil Rights Movement brought much-needed change for minorities in the military ? supported by progressive leaders like President Lyndon Johnson.

Johnson called for desegregation, and he supported civil rights for minorities, but not without resistance from conservative Democrats and Republicans who slowed the pace of change.

I’ve always thought of the Republican Party as the party that supported the military and honored the service of veterans, but that’s changed.

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Today, younger active-duty military members and veterans, like those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, are increasingly identifying as politically independent or leaning toward the Democratic Party.

These veterans, who have different experiences and priorities than previous generations, support social justice policies, women’s health care initiatives and academic equity and access ? areas where the Democratic Party has focused its messaging and efforts.

Biden picked up votes from veterans

The 2020 presidential election marked a noticeable shift in American politics, with increased voter turnout and heightened political polarization.

Even though the majority of voting military veterans still supported then-President Donald Trump, exit polls and surveys revealed that an increased number of veterans cast their ballots for Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate.

The ever-increasing diverse population within the veteran community, including women, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, has significantly contributed to the evolving voting patterns. These groups prioritize issues like gender equality, racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

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Also, the Democratic Party's focus on issues like military spouse employment and support for caregivers has helped to build a broader coalition of support for military families through programs like the 4 +1 Commitment championed by President Biden’s spouse, Jill Biden.

These issues have in recent years become central to the Democratic Party's platform, further strengthening its appeal to military veterans and their families.

As more military veterans support policies promoting comprehensive health care initiatives, academic equity, equality and inclusion, they are now finding their values align more with Democratic platforms. This trend not only challenges the assumption that veterans overwhelmingly support conservative candidates but also highlights a greater desire for a more inclusive and effective government.

Marla Bautista is a military fellow columnist for USA TODAY Opinion.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Harris or Trump win military vote? Democrats are gaining ground