Can Fandoms Save Democracy? An Interview with the Organizers Behind Swifties for Kamala

If you’ve ever dared to say anything less than kind about Taylor Swift online, you’ve probably already come face-to-face with the brute force of her fandom. Swifties, as they’re known, are as famous for their strategic thinking (see: the downfall of Ticketmaster) as for their overwhelming passion for the object of their pop affections, so perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that a dedicated group of them—known as Swifties for Kamala—are turning their abundant energy to helping elect Kamala Harris as president this November. While the group takes pains to note it isn’t formally associated with Swift, their power is no less formidable: Swifties for Kamala has raised almost $150K in campaign contributions and recently hosted the likes of Carole King and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey on its first fundraising call.

Vogue recently spoke to two card-carrying members of the Swifties for Kamala movement—first-time campaign volunteer Emerald Medrano and swing state voter Carly Long—about the political motivation behind their fight, the overlap between Taylor Swift standom and Harris/Walz 2024 campaign values, and the importance of blocking a second Trump presidency. Read the full interview below:

Vogue: What drew you to get involved with the Harris/Walz 2024 campaign?

Emerald Medrano, 22, co-founder and chairman of Swifties for Kamala: In an odd way, my fears have really been what’s inspired me to act in this election. No matter what happens in November, I know I want to look back on this election season with the feeling that I did everything I could to help Kamala become the 47th president of the United States. I don’t want to live with regrets, and I don’t want to live in a country that doesn’t treat all humans with kindness. I know America is ready to be dazzling, and Kamala will let us be bejeweled.

Carly Long, 25, communications director for Swifties for Kamala: When Kamala Harris became the presumptive nominee, I felt a real sense of hope for the election. For once, I wasn’t only voting against something, but for something—for someone strong and intelligent, for someone who will fight for the rights and safety of minorities, for someone fun and energetic. Her campaign has given me pride in my candidate, and I want to be part of electing the first woman to lead this country!

What is it about Taylor Swift’s fandom that you think lends itself to political organizing?

Medrano: The comfort in our Swiftie traditions has made organizing so much fun and also accessible to people who are new to politics and voting. This is my first time volunteering for a political cause and I feel so safe with Swifties. In the company of Swifties, there is never too much glitter or passion. We love what we love loudly, and that excitement translates over to politics in the nicest way. Swifties also know it is never too late to be brand-new at something. Many people in S4K are going out and registering to vote for the first time, or canvassing for the first time, or watching a debate for the first time, which is so exciting and exactly what is needed in this election; new, young, and fearlessly fresh voices who are not afraid to speak now, even if their voice shakes.

Long: Swifties have always been a force to be reckoned with. The community we’ve built online and in person is strong and runs deep. I have seen Swifties rally not only behind Taylor, but behind each other by raising both money and awareness before. So, we have the willingness and foundation for organizing ingrained in our fandom already.

What issues are most important to you in the upcoming election?

Medrano: Americans’ ability to afford their day-to-day lives is something I really care about in this election. I’m 22 and I am entering the adulting, bills, and groceries era of my life. Kamala Harris’s economic policy makes me feel so hopeful for a future where I and other Americans can live a financially stable life, whereas the other candidate will only benefit rich people and corporations and would implement policies that would create distress and hardship for many middle-class and low-earning Americans. I am also a trans and queer American, so living in Texas under Harris’s presidency would be a much safer (and happier) place for me. She truly cares about the LGBTQ community, and I believe she will make sure that our rights are protected and not taken away.

Long: To me, protecting the rights of all Americans is the most important issue on the ballot this year. We must protect women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people in this county. Trump has prided himself on his overturn of Roe v. Wade, and spewed racist, homophobic, and transphobic rhetoric. We cannot allow him back in power, for the safety of so many of us.