Global music icon Taylor Swift threw her support behind Kamala Harris‘ presidential campaign on Tuesday, a move that could galvanize millions of her devoted fans.
The “Fortnight” singer, who did not endorse President Joe Biden before he exited the 2024 race, similarly withheld her endorsement of the Biden-Harris ticket in the 2020 election until about a month before voters went to the polls.
Swift, whose star power is arguably unparalleled, is currently riding high on the success of her record-breaking Eras Tour. With more than 280 million Instagram followers, she dwarfs Harris’ 17 million and Donald Trump’s 26 million, highlighting her immense reach.
However, the question remains whether Swift’s considerable social media following translates into real political influence. Scholars and political analysts have debated the impact of celebrity endorsements for years.
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According to a PolitiFact article published in February, it is “misguided to assume that Swift’s potential involvement in the race would be a magic bullet with guaranteed results.” The article elaborated:
Experts note that celebrity endorsements alone rarely produce significant electoral shifts. Engaging younger voters, who often have low turnout rates, may require more than a high-profile endorsement. While Swift’s endorsement would undoubtedly draw attention, her fan base already tends to lean left politically.
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As noted by my colleague Ja’han Jones in a May ReidOut Blog post, some celebrity endorsements, including those by Swift, have not led to significant electoral outcomes in recent years. For instance, Beyoncé’s endorsement of Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke in Texas and Swift’s backing of Phil Bredesen in Tennessee did not alter the results in those races, as both O’Rourke and Bredesen lost.
Swift’s influence may not lie in swaying Trump supporters or independents but rather in mobilizing and engaging voters generally. Vote.org reported a 1,226% increase in voter registration in the hour following Swift’s September 2023 Instagram post urging her followers to register to vote, according to NPR.
“Many Republicans correctly view Taylor as an influential force,” MSNBC’s Ari Melber remarked in January. “Her impact extends from culture and music to a broader resurgence of feminism and civic engagement. It could significantly affect voter turnout.”
Regardless of the tangible impact of Swift’s endorsement on the Harris-Walz ticket, it is a win that the Biden campaign reportedly worked hard to secure.
The New York Times reported in January that California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a prominent supporter of Biden’s campaign, had fervently sought Swift’s endorsement. Newsom, who endorsed Harris following Biden’s withdrawal, praised Swift’s ability to inspire young voters.
“Taylor Swift stands tall and unique,” Newsom told reporters in September 2023. “What she has accomplished in activating young people to recognize their voice and their choice in the upcoming election is profoundly powerful.”
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The endorsement from Swift, a global superstar with a massive following, is expected to resonate with her fans and could play a role in mobilizing voter turnout, even as the overall impact on the electoral outcome remains to be seen.
