Instagram influencer Rayna Kingston and podcast host Justine Sandoval have entered the Democratic primary race for Colorado’s House District 5 seat, representing an area extending from Denver’s River North neighborhood to Ruby Hill, per the Denver Gazette. The seat is currently held by term-limited Democratic Rep. Alex Valdez.

Kingston, who runs the popular Instagram account @raynakingdenver, focusing on local businesses and Denver activities, is also the founder of the Denver Activist Women’s Group. Sandoval serves as a “community activist, feminist, and political and green chile correspondent” for the City Cast Denver news podcast.

The Denver race exemplifies a growing national trend of social media creators transitioning into political candidates. This follows other notable creator candidacies, including that of 26-year-old TikTok political commentator Kat Abughazaleh, who recently announced her campaign for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District against incumbent Jan Schakowsky.

Research from creator agency Billion Dollar Boy indicates 28% of U.S. content creators have been approached to produce political content ahead of the 2024 presidential election, with 39% contacted during this and previous election cycles.

Platform Priorities and Announcement Strategies

Kingston’s campaign priorities include improving Denver’s affordability, protecting LGBTQ and women’s rights, and addressing air quality concerns. She announced her candidacy through Instagram, writing: “Denver is my home, my roots, and this city is my favorite place and its people are my friends.”

Sandoval, who previously worked on U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette’s campaign and served as president of the Denver Young Democrats, cited community service as her motivation. “For over 20 years, I’ve listened, served, and stood up for Denver, and now I’m ready to carry that work to the State House,” she said.

The candidates’ media backgrounds align with research indicating that creators are experiencing a growing political influence. A Voxtopica study reports 85% of registered voters trust podcast content over other media formats, with news-related genres dominating listener preferences.

Political parties have recognized this shift, with both major parties actively engaging creators. The Democratic National Committee granted media credentials to 200 social media influencers for its 2024 convention, while the Republican National Convention employed influencers for voter outreach programs.

A third candidate, Thaddeus Clayton, has also filed for the Democratic primary, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

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