Celebrity endorsements are playing a pivotal role in the 2024 election, particularly for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. With major stars rallying behind each candidate, the impact on voter engagement—especially among younger demographics—has become a focal point of political strategy.
Kamala Harris and Taylor Swift’s Endorsement Impact
Kamala Harris has received support from a range of high-profile figures, but none as influential as Taylor Swift. Known for her ability to mobilize young voters, Swift’s September 2024 endorsement is already creating ripples. Within 24 hours of her Instagram post backing Harris, Vote.gov saw a surge of over 405,000 visitors, while Vote.org reported that over 52,000 people registered to vote. This is a substantial boost, as Swift’s posts directed millions of her followers to check their voter registration status. The effect was most prominent among Gen Z and millennials, two demographics that played a crucial role in the 2020 election but had shown signs of waning enthusiasm leading into 2024.
Swift’s endorsement may also help Harris regain ground among younger voters, a group Biden had won decisively in 2020 but had started to lose momentum with. While polling data specific to this surge is still emerging, the initial impact on voter registration and online engagement is clear.
Donald Trump and His Celebrity Supporters
On the other side, Donald Trump has garnered the backing of celebrities such as Hulk Hogan, Azealia Banks, and Kodak Black. These endorsements tend to energize his existing voter base, particularly within conservative and populist circles. For example, Bryce Hall, a popular social media influencer with millions of young followers, openly advocates for Trump and has rallied support across TikTok and YouTube. While these endorsements may not result in a large number of new voter registrations, they help maintain Trump's solid core of supporters and continue to create viral content that fuels online discussions
Do Celebrity Endorsements Really Matter?
While celebrity endorsements can ignite enthusiasm and increase voter engagement, particularly on social media, they are not always guaranteed to sway the final vote. Historically, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey have had measurable impacts, as seen with her endorsement of Barack Obama in 2008. However, experts suggest that while these endorsements often rally a candidate’s existing supporters, they do not always translate into a significant shift in undecided voters. With polls showing tight races, especially in key swing states, the true effect of these endorsements may only become evident closer to election day.
Endorsements Start the Momentum. You Maintain It.
The celebrity endorsement game is in full swing for both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, but the long-term effects on voter turnout and polling remain to be seen.
As we approach November 5th, the momentum generated by celebrity endorsements for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is crucial, but it’s not enough on its own. While figures like Taylor Swift and Bryce Hall bring significant attention and spark engagement, the key to capitalizing on this momentum lies in sustained voter outreach and issue-based advocacy.
Here are a few ways to ensure that the excitement around these endorsements leads to meaningful action at the ballot box:
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Encourage Continuous Voter Registration: The boost in voter registration spurred by endorsements like Taylor Swift’s should be built upon with continuous reminders. Campaigns can regularly share links to Vote.gov or Vote.org, as Swift did, while urging supporters to check their registration status. Holding registration drives, especially in states with historically low voter turnout, will be essential in converting this online energy into real-world results.
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Focus on Early and Absentee Voting: With a large portion of younger voters and busy professionals following celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo or Shonda Rhimes, providing clear guidance on early voting and absentee ballots will make a significant difference. Voter fatigue or long election day lines can lead to drop-off, so getting ballots in early ensures that enthusiasm translates to votes.
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Expand Issue-Based Campaigning: Celebrities often emphasize specific issues—Swift has been vocal about LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights, while influencers like Martha Stewart stress democratic values. Campaigns should amplify these messages, highlighting policies that resonate with each celebrity’s base. Tailoring outreach to specific communities that align with the celebrity’s causes (e.g., reproductive rights advocates for Harris or freedom of speech advocates for Trump) can convert passive supporters into active voters.
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Amplify Local and Grassroots Activism: While celebrities create national buzz, it’s grassroots activism that often drives the final result. Encourage supporters to get involved locally by canvassing, phone banking, or attending campaign events. Community-level engagement ensures that support is not just a fleeting social media trend but a sustained movement in swing districts and battleground states.
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Sustain the Digital Dialogue: The power of social media in political campaigns cannot be overstated, especially with influencers like Bryce Hall engaging younger voters online. Campaigns should maintain this digital conversation, encouraging continuous engagement with shareable content, Q&As, and live discussions. The goal is to keep political issues at the forefront of daily online activity leading up to election day.
In the end, celebrity endorsements are most effective when they serve as a launching pad for deeper political engagement. Sustaining this momentum through registration efforts, issue advocacy, and grassroots mobilization will be key to turning these endorsements into electoral success.
