In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have drawn support from various celebrities, each making headlines with their endorsements. While celebrity endorsements can generate excitement, their influence on voters remains debatable.
Vice President Kamala Harris has received support from several prominent figures in the entertainment world. Among her most outspoken advocates is actress Jennifer Lawrence, who supports Harris due to her dedication to safeguarding reproductive rights. Lawrence has highlighted Harris’ efforts to protect fundamental rights as the key reason for her endorsement.
Another notable name supporting Harris is pop star Chappell Roan. Initially hesitant to endorse any candidate, Roan eventually made her stance clear. Roan joins a growing list of musicians and entertainers voicing their support, including Grammy-winning siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas, who created a campaign video for Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Other famous names like Olivia Rodrigo, George Clooney, and Barbra Streisand have also publicly endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket.
Scientist Bill Nye, known for making science accessible to millions, has also backed Harris. Nye is expected to headline a fundraiser called “Geeks & Nerds for Harris,” a nod to his popularity among science enthusiasts. In a recent video promoting the event, Nye mentioned that Kamala Harris recognizes the critical role science plays in addressing current challenges.
While Harris has attracted many Hollywood A-listers, Donald Trump has seen more limited celebrity support, though he still commands loyalty from high-profile figures. Former wrestler Hulk Hogan, musician Kid Rock, and UFC President Dana White are among those who have endorsed the former president. These endorsements reflect Trump’s appeal to specific voter bases, including those interested in wrestling, mixed martial arts, and country music.
Additionally, rapper Amber Rose and country stars Chris Janson and Jason Aldean have publicly backed Trump. The former president’s strategy focuses on appealing to specific demographics through these endorsements rather than trying to rival Harris in sheer celebrity numbers. Trump has also acknowledged past supporters like Lil Wayne, though some previous backers, including Scott Baio, have yet to declare their support this election cycle.
Despite this, Trump continues to use celebrity endorsements as a tool to connect with his voter base. At a rally, he thanked Puerto Rican reggaeton star Nicky Jam for his endorsement, though he initially made a humorous blunder by assuming Nicky was a woman.
The tradition of courting celebrity endorsements in presidential campaigns is not new. Historically, Democrats have tended to secure more celebrity support than Republicans. However, this has occasionally left them open to criticism from conservative commentators, who argue that Democratic candidates are more interested in Hollywood elites than in connecting with average voters.
While the true impact of celebrity endorsements on elections is debatable, they can energize a candidate’s base and attract media attention. A Harvard study found that while some voters claim not to be influenced by celebrity endorsements, the involvement of public figures can help foster a culture of participation, especially in tight races.
However, as a recent poll suggested, the effectiveness of these endorsements is not guaranteed. For instance, Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris, which drove hundreds of thousands to a federal voter registration site, may have had little impact on voter support. According to the poll, over 80% of respondents said Swift’s backing did not affect their likelihood of voting for Harris. Only 6% of those polled said they were more likely to vote for Harris due to Swift’s endorsement.
As the 2024 presidential race progresses, both Harris and Trump will likely continue to rely on their celebrity supporters to drum up enthusiasm and encourage voter turnout. However, the ultimate impact of these endorsements on the election’s outcome remains to be seen.
