California Governor Gavin Newsom believes pop superstar Taylor Swift will be a major factor in the 2024 presidential election thanks to her ability to mobilize young voters.
In an interview with TMZ, Gov. Newsom praised Swift for using her celebrity platform to encourage civic participation. He thinks she could sway the election given her vast sway, especially among youth.
“Taylor Swift stands tall and unique,” Newsom said. “What she was able to accomplish in getting young people activated to consider that they have a voice and they should have a voice in the next election, I think it’s profoundly powerful.”
On National Voter Registration Day this September, Swift urged her 270+ million Instagram followers to register to vote by sharing a link to the nonpartisan group Vote.org.
According to Vote.org, over 35,000 new voters registered in the 24 hours after Swift’s post. Gov. Newsom cited this impact as proof of her influence.
“I think she’s using her celebrity [status] for good,” Newsom told TMZ. “Republicans are critical of her encouraging people to register to vote, which says everything you need to know about the voter suppression going on in the Republican party.”
Swift’s dedicated fanbase, nicknamed “Swifties,” have mobilized behind her before, breaking records on Spotify and powering her album sales. She recently became the first female artist to surpass 100 million Spotify listeners.
Her fans are already turning out in droves for her upcoming Eras Tour concert film in theaters and the release of her rerecorded album “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” this October.
Swift’s cultural dominance ensures her political statements carry tremendous weight, especially among younger voters. With Gen Z and millennials preferring Democrats by wide margins, Swift’s encouragement could sway a close 2024 race.
While some argue celebrities shouldn’t be so overtly political, Swift sees civic participation as a responsibility she can model for her impressionable fanbase.
In the past, she’s faced backlash for becoming more vocal and progressive on issues like LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. But Swift persists in using her voice for change.
Governor Newsom believes championing voter registration exemplifies how Swift constructively applies her influence. Her power to potentially shape 2024 as a model of engagement for youth is “profoundly powerful” in his view.
With an election expected to be hard fought, Swift’s ability to energize her base and drive turnout could have major implications. She adds a unique wild card factor that could boost youth participation enough to swing key races at the presidential and down ballot levels.
Love her or not, Swift’s cultural footprint ensures she will be a political force in 2024. Governor Newsom and others are wisely recognizing the potential impact of this pop culture phenomenon on the next election.
