Emily Sturge – The Rising Voice of Gen Z Conservatism and Campus Journalism
Emily Sturge is a dynamic young American journalist, political commentator, and reporter known for her bold and articulate presence in national media. A graduate of the University of Florida, Sturge has quickly become one of the most recognized young conservative voices in the United States. Her work with Campus Reform has earned her national recognition on major news outlets such as FOX News, FOX Business, Newsmax, Real America’s Voice, The Daily Signal, and The Joe Pags Show.
Sturge represents a new generation of political commentators who merge authenticity with fearless reporting. Her journalism focuses on higher education, student perspectives, and exposing ideological bias within American universities. She stands out not only as a reporter but also as an influential media personality shaping the discourse around freedom of expression on campus.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Emily Sturge demonstrated leadership and academic excellence from a young age. She attended Westminster Christian School, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and ranked in the top 5% of her class. Her achievements included recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction (2020 & 2021) and recipient of the Brown University Book Award (2020), a national honor acknowledging intellectual promise and integrity.
During high school, she was active in student government, serving as Class President (2018–2019), and also led the Varsity Cheerleading team as Head Captain (2019–2020). Beyond academics, she showcased her creative side as a published author in her school’s literary magazine. These experiences foreshadowed her future success as a confident communicator and media professional.
In 2021, Sturge began her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the University of Florida (UF). During her time at UF, she became heavily involved in campus activities and political organizations, including Gamma Phi Beta, the Network of Enlightened Women, College Republicans, and Young Americans for Freedom. These affiliations reflected her passion for conservative values, freedom of speech, and student engagement.
Professional Journey: From Campus to National Media
Campus Reform Reporter and Spokesperson
Emily Sturge’s most notable role is with Campus Reform, where she has served as a Reporter, Spokesperson, and Campus Correspondent since 2021. In this position, she investigates issues within American higher education, particularly focusing on liberal bias, free speech suppression, and political indoctrination on college campuses.
As part of her “Man on the Street” interviews, Sturge travels to universities to engage students in discussions about trending political topics. Her videos often go viral for their candid, thought-provoking, and sometimes humorous exchanges that highlight generational perspectives on key national issues.
In October 2023, she was promoted to Reporter/Spokesperson for Campus Reform, representing the platform on live national broadcasts. She discusses higher education trends, campus controversies, and student reactions to government policies. Her appearances have been featured on FOX News, FOX Business, Newsmax, Real America’s Voice, and NBC3.
Host of Campus Countdown
Sturge also hosted Campus Reform’s YouTube series “Campus Countdown”, a weekly show highlighting the top three trending news stories in higher education. In this role, she wrote, filmed, and anchored each episode, blending journalistic professionalism with engaging commentary. Her on-camera skills and sharp communication style helped her build a loyal audience among students and young conservatives nationwide.
Work at WUFT News
While attending UF, Emily Sturge gained valuable newsroom experience with WUFT News, the university’s public broadcasting outlet. As a Multimedia Reporter and Anchor, she covered local and state issues, including education, infrastructure, and community events. Her stories ranged from political coverage — such as protests over UF President Ben Sasse’s appointment — to human-interest pieces about environmental conservation and local development projects.
This role honed her investigative and production skills, preparing her for broader media exposure.
Political Advocacy and Leadership
Alongside her journalism career, Emily Sturge is deeply active in political advocacy. She has served as an Ambassador for Turning Point USA since 2019, promoting values of freedom, free markets, and limited government among students. Her participation in high-profile political events — including conventions attended by President Donald J. Trump, Governor Ron DeSantis, and FOX News contributors — underscores her commitment to civic engagement and conservative thought.
In 2022, she also interned at Win America PAC, working on local and state campaigns, social media strategy, and grassroots activism. Her hands-on political experience gives her reporting a grounded understanding of real-world policy and voter sentiment.
Skills and Expertise
Emily Sturge’s skill set extends across several domains of journalism and communication:
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On-Camera Presentation – Skilled TV and digital anchor with natural screen presence.
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Investigative Reporting – Adept at identifying campus trends and political bias.
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Political Commentary – Articulate conservative voice for Gen Z political issues.
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Public Speaking – Experienced speaker at conventions and media events.
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Social Media Strategy – Over 100 million views and 250,000+ followers across her platforms.
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Digital Media Production – Produces, edits, and hosts multi-platform news content.
Her training includes certification from the Leadership Institute Hearst Journalism School (2022) and Social Media Bootcamp by the Leadership Institute. She also participated in the Running Start Congressional Program in Washington, D.C., emphasizing women’s leadership in politics.
Online Presence and Public Image
Emily Sturge’s influence extends far beyond traditional journalism. Her social media presence under the handle @realemilysturge reflects a blend of professionalism and personality. On Instagram, she shares behind-the-scenes moments from interviews, national appearances, and her life between Florida and Washington, D.C. She currently has over 15,000 followers, demonstrating her ability to connect with a diverse digital audience.
On X (formerly Twitter), she engages in political discussions, offering commentary on current events and education policy. Her tagline identifies her as a “Gen Z Conservative”, echoing her mission to empower young people to think critically and speak freely about their beliefs.
Personal Life
Though she maintains a professional focus online, Emily has shared glimpses of her personal life. She is in a long-term relationship with Hunter Pankey, with public posts celebrating their anniversaries since 2022. Her family includes a younger brother, Harry Sturge, to whom she expressed affection in a heartfelt post celebrating his 20th birthday in 2024.
As of 2025, Sturge is approximately 23 years old and resides between Miami, Florida, and Washington, D.C. There is no public record indicating marriage or children.
Values and Vision
What sets Emily Sturge apart is her conviction. In an era when journalism faces polarization and credibility challenges, she embodies a generation striving for authenticity and courage. Her work emphasizes:
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Free Speech on Campus – Advocating for intellectual diversity in education.
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Accountability in Media – Exposing bias and misinformation in academic reporting.
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Youth Empowerment – Inspiring students to question narratives and engage in civic debate.
Her motto, expressed through her work and media appearances, aligns with her belief that young Americans must “speak up, stay informed, and protect constitutional freedoms.”
Conclusion: The Future of Emily Sturge
Emily Sturge represents the next wave of bold, media-savvy, and principled journalists redefining political communication in the United States. Her trajectory — from student reporter to national commentator — illustrates the power of persistence, preparation, and purpose.
As she continues appearing on major news platforms and shaping the national conversation about higher education and free expression, Sturge’s influence is poised to grow. Her journey reminds aspiring journalists that integrity, courage, and conviction can carve a path to impact — even in the most competitive media landscapes.
In the rapidly evolving world of American media, Emily Sturge stands as both a journalist and a symbol — the confident voice of Gen Z conservatism.
