Pro Donald Trump influencers are pouring $20 million into a new campaign called “Send the Vote,” designed to mobilize young male voters, particularly those involved in the UFC community. Leading this initiative are popular pro-Trump influencers like the Nelk Boys, who are well-known for their massive following among young men. Their YouTube channel boasts 8.8 million subscribers, and their podcast, Full Send, consistently garners millions of downloads each month.
The campaign’s focus on the under-30 demographic comes at a critical time in the 2024 election, especially following significant political shifts. With Trump selecting Senator JD Vance as his running mate and Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic nominee after Biden’s exit from the race, the political landscape has been dramatically reshaped. Harris’s campaign has quickly adapted, leveraging high-profile celebrities and events like “Hotties for Harris,” featuring stars such as Quavo and Megan Thee Stallion, to generate substantial voter engagement and buzz among young voters.
In contrast, the pro-Trump campaign has struggled to attract mainstream star power. Instead, it is relying on influencers like the Nelk Boys, whose appeal lies in their hypermasculine and rebellious image, resonating particularly with disenfranchised young men. By aligning with UFC events, the campaign is staging Get Out the Vote drives, targeting the UFC’s predominantly male, 18-34 demographic, a group that has shown strong support for Trump in the past. Trump’s longstanding association with the UFC further strengthens this strategy.
However, the campaign’s narrow focus on young male voters may be a double-edged sword, as it potentially overlooks other crucial voter groups. The decision to launch “Send the Vote” with JD Vance’s appearance on the Full Send podcast underscores this focused approach, reflecting a strategy similar to Trump’s controversial VP selection.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris’s team is broadening its reach with a well-funded campaign, bolstered by celebrity endorsements and viral ad campaigns aimed at attracting undecided young voters. The early success of Harris’s strategy is evident, with 100,000 new voters registering in the first week of her campaign, many of whom are under 35.
The contrasting strategies of the two campaigns highlight a pivotal moment in the 2024 election. While the pro-Trump campaign is concentrating on energizing a specific voter base, Harris’s broader appeal and star power could prove decisive. The effectiveness of these approaches will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome as the election progresses.
