By Aliyah Salcé 
Image Credit: Mint
In recent election cycles, celebrity endorsements for presidential candidates have become increasingly popular. This year, Republican candidate Donald Trump faces off against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the race for the highest office. Given the rise in young voters and the influence of social media, celebrity endorsements are expected to play a crucial role in mobilizing voter support.
To understand this phenomenon, let’s look back at the origin of celebrity endorsements. The first recorded celebrity endorsement for a presidential candidate dates back to 1920 when entertainer Al Jolson publicly supported Warren Harding. Jolson, a popular singer at the time, helped elevate Harding’s profile through his “Front Porch” campaign. Harding went on to win a landslide victory, with 404 electoral votes to James Cox’s 127, in part due to the newfound appeal Jolson brought to his campaign.
This established a precedent for celebrity involvement in presidential campaigns. In 1960, singer Frank Sinatra publicly supported John F. Kennedy, with his song “High Hopes” becoming the campaign’s anthem. Sinatra’s involvement extended beyond his performances, as he actively fundraised and even offered his private plane, boosting Kennedy’s visibility and voter support.
Celebrity endorsements continued into the 21st century. In December 2019, pop star Ariana Grande set a record by helping register 33,381 voters during her tour. She thanked fans for “investing in our future and committing to making a change together.” This trend of celebrity involvement has continued to grow, making endorsements a significant element in modern campaigning.
Today, celebrity endorsements hold substantial influence, as fans often rally behind their favorite figures. A Harvard study by Dr. Ashley Spillane found that celebrities can greatly impact young voters’ political behavior, as many trust celebrities more than traditional institutions. By sharing information on voter registration and election deadlines, celebrities can meaningfully increase voter turnout. For example, Taylor Swift fans, known as “Swifties,” anxiously awaited her endorsement. After her friend Brittany Mahomes showed support for Trump, Swift ultimately endorsed Harris in an Instagram post, leading to 35,000 new voter registrations. Actress Kerry Washington has also been vocal in her support for Harris, participating in rallies and advocating online.
It’s worth noting that both candidates in this election have received notable endorsements. Elon Musk, for example, endorsed Trump earlier this year, publicly showing support through various statements and even pledging significant financial contributions to the Trump campaign. At the Republican National Convention, retired wrestler Hulk Hogan made headlines when he endorsed Trump, tearing his shirt onstage and calling Trump his “hero.”