The Republican National Convention (RNC) was in full swing, and as one of the nearly 100 influencers invited, I found myself at the heart of a political whirlwind. The RNC had reached out to me, along with a diverse group of popular conservative influencers, to engage conservatives who often stayed away from the political scene. It was an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.
From the moment I received the welcome email from Maria Giannopoulos, the RNC’s marketing and digital director, I knew this would be unlike any other convention. “Welcome to the first-ever creator program at the Republican National Convention,” it read. The excitement was palpable. We had about 30 minutes each day to hit the convention floor and create content – whether it be reels, interviews, or live streams. The rest of our time was spent in the Creator Hub, a suite bustling with activity and visited by prominent lawmakers, including Senator Tim Scott.
Being part of the RNC influencer program was exhilarating but also nerve-wracking. I was stepping into the political arena, unsure of how my followers would react. But I felt a strong pull to be honest and authentic with them about issues I cared deeply about, particularly the schooling policies that affected my nieces and nephews during the pandemic.
I went live during Donald Trump Jr.'s speech on Wednesday night. The energy in the room was electric, and my stream quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of views. Engaging with my followers in real-time, I could feel their enthusiasm and support. It was clear that my authenticity resonated with them, and they appreciated that I wasn’t just another influencer chasing paychecks. I was here because it mattered.
The GOP’s strategy to harness the power of social media influencers, a tool more commonly associated with Democrats, was proving effective. Influencers like me were able to reach hesitant or untrusting voters in a way traditional media couldn’t. The personal connection we had with our audiences meant that our messages were received with trust and enthusiasm.
One of the highlights of the week was meeting other influencers working with Vote4America, a nonpartisan voter registration group. Their mission to reach gun owners, farmers, homeschoolers, and veterans through influencers was inspiring. Stephen Aaron, the founder, shared how they had already reached tens of millions and registered tens of thousands of voters. It was a testament to the power of social media in mobilizing communities.
As the convention progressed, it became clear that our presence was not just about creating content but also about fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The embrace of social media by the GOP was also a strategic move to win over younger voters, many of whom felt disillusioned by the political process. With figures like Brilyn Hollyhand, the 18-year-old chair of the GOP Youth Advisory Council, leading the charge, the convention was as much about the future as it was about the present.
Reflecting on the experience, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. I had stepped out of my comfort zone and into the political spotlight, using my platform to influence and inspire. The RNC had given us the tools to make a difference, and together, we had created content that resonated far beyond the walls of the convention center.
Parts of this story are fiction
Convention influencers aim to lure disengaged conservatives to GOP
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