Why is there no Evil Billionaire Funding Influencers?

The landscape of political campaign strategies is rapidly evolving, with a marked shift towards leveraging social media influencers to sway public opinion and voter behavior. Research highlights that coordinated networks of social media influencers, particularly those with smaller followings, are becoming critical assets for political campaigns, PACs, and special interest groups. These influencers, often seen as more authentic voices, are used by partisan organizations to influence political discourse, especially as we observed in the lead-up to the 2020 U.S. elections . This trend underscores the potency of social media in modern political campaigns, where digital-first advertising strategies are becoming increasingly predominant .

The emergence of independent expenditure political action committees, or super PACs, has further intensified this dynamic. These PACs are specifically aimed at supporting or unseating candidates, underscoring their significant influence in shaping election outcomes . Given the effectiveness of this approach, there's a growing necessity for right-wing PACs to adopt similar strategies. By investing in social media influencers, right-wing PACs can enhance their reach and impact, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in a digital-first political landscape.