Influencers Shape 2024 Presidential Campaigns

As the race for the presidency heats up, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are increasingly utilizing social media influencers to engage younger voters, particularly Gen-Z and Millennials. The Democratic National Convention has credentialed over 200 influencers, with notable figures like Deja Foxx slated to speak alongside major political leaders. Trump, capitalizing on his established online presence, recently participated in a viral TikTok with influencer Adin Ross, while his son Barron Trump and friend Bo Loudon are also driving a social media campaign to reach young voters. Harris's campaign is leveraging meme culture and a youthful team to enhance her appeal, with her TikTok strategies generating millions of views. This shift toward influencer engagement reflects a broader trend where traditional media is being overshadowed by social platforms as primary news sources for younger demographics. Both campaigns are adapting to this new landscape to maximize their outreach and mobilize support ahead of the upcoming election.