Caroline Gleich Seeks FEC Rule Update for Online Influencers in Political Campaigns
Caroline Gleich, a professional ski mountaineer and online content creator, is making waves in the political arena as she seeks to replace retiring Sen. Mitt Romney. Gleich, a Utah Democrat, is challenging the Federal Election Commission to update its rules for the age of the online influencer.
In a bold move, Gleich filed a request with the FEC to allow her to bypass campaign finance rules that she believes put influencers at a disadvantage. Under current regulations, any sponsored social media post featuring Gleich distributed in Utah within 90 days of the Nov. 5 election could be considered a “coordinated communication” and counted as a political contribution. Gleich is pushing for an exemption, arguing that sponsored posts should be classified as “business communications.”
The impact of these rules on Gleich’s livelihood is already evident, as some brands have pulled out of deals due to the complexities of working with a candidate. Negotiating new contracts has also become more challenging, leading to uncertainty for Gleich and her partnerships.
Campaign finance experts acknowledge that the current rules may not be well-suited to the influencer era, as they were written before social media became a dominant force. Gleich’s request highlights the need for regulations that reflect the evolving landscape of online content creation and its role in politics.
Gleich’s campaign is not just about her personal challenges but also about opening doors for individuals from diverse backgrounds and careers. As content creators play an increasingly significant role in shaping political discourse, Gleich’s FEC challenge could pave the way for more influencers to enter the political arena and contribute their unique perspectives to Capitol Hill.
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