Media Personalities Transitioning into Democratic Politics: A Closer Look

Five Media Figures Who Ventured into Democratic Politics

Political journalist Hanna Trudo is contemplating a run for Congress in New Hampshire with the Democratic Party. Should she proceed, it would mark her as the latest media figure stepping into the political arena under the Democratic umbrella.

Consider five prominent media personalities who have previously attempted to secure office as Democrats. Each of their journeys highlights the growing intersection between journalism and politics.

John Avlon’s Congressional Bid

CNN political analyst John Avlon declared in 2022 that he would depart from the network to launch his Congressional campaign in New York’s First District, aiming to counter Donald Trump and his supporters. He stated, “Right now, our democracy is in danger. This election is not a drill.” Avlon’s passionate plea resonated with many, but he ultimately captured the Democratic nomination only to lose the general election to Republican Nick LaLota by over 10 percentage points.

Previously, Avlon served as the editor of the liberal Daily Beast and had a notable segment called “Reality Check” on CNN, which often critiqued right-wing policies.

Michelle Caruso-Cabrera’s Challenging Campaign

Former CNBC anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera mounted a contentious primary challenge against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2020 for New York’s 14th District. Presenting herself as a moderate opponent to Ocasio-Cortez’s progressive ideals, Caruso-Cabrera focused on her opposition to the Green New Deal and universal healthcare. Despite her extensive experience, she only garnered 18.2 percent of the vote in a significant defeat.

With over two decades at CNBC as chief financial correspondent and co-anchor of “Power Lunch,” her political aspirations did not stop with this race; she also aimed for the Democratic nomination for New York comptroller in 2021 but fell short again.

The Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

AOC, as she is commonly known, shocked the political world by defeating longtime incumbent Joe Crowley in the Democratic primary in 2018. This unexpected win opened doors for her to represent a deeply Democratic constituency, and she is now regarded as a significant figure in the party, even being discussed as a potential presidential candidate in 2028.

Nicholas Kristof’s Governorship Attempt

Nicholas Kristof, a long-serving columnist at The New York Times, briefly ventured into politics by announcing his candidacy for governor of Oregon as a Democrat in 2021. Kristof, boasting a career of 37 years at the Times, expressed, “I am confident we can do better as a state,” during a local interview. However, his aspirations hit a major roadblock when he was deemed ineligible for the race due to residency requirements, after having voted in New York in 2020.

His campaign ended before it could truly begin, and Kristof has since returned to The Times, continuing to apply his journalistic perspective to current affairs.

Matthew Dowd’s Short-Lived Run

Matthew Dowd, a former political analyst for ABC News, made headlines when he officially announced his run for Texas lieutenant governor as a Democrat in 2021. Dowd, a seasoned strategist who worked on George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign, had identified as an independent for years before revealing his Democratic intentions. He had debated the need for more diverse representation in politics, particularly from individuals who historically have held power.

His campaign, however, did not last long, as he withdrew within three months, explaining that a more diverse group of candidates had surfaced. Ultimately, Democrat Mike Collier lost the race to Dan Patrick by a margin of 10 points.

Dylan Ratigan’s Congressional Ambitions

Dylan Ratigan, another former CNBC journalist who hosted a program on MSNBC, took a shot at political office in 2018 when he competed for the Democratic nomination in New York’s 21st District. Despite his enthusiasm, Ratigan finished a distant second to the eventual nominee, Tedra Cobb, who herself lost to Republican incumbent Elise Stefanik in the general elections.

Blurring the Lines Between Media and Politics

The transition from media to politics isn’t solely a Democratic trend. For instance, Kari Lake, a former news anchor in Phoenix, has made headlines with her political pursuits, including runs for governor and the U.S. Senate as a Republican. This trend demonstrates the increasing permeability between journalism and political office, reflecting a desire among media figures to exert influence beyond the lens of conventional reporting.

As more journalists enter the political arena, it prompts a discussion about the influence of media perspectives within electable offices and highlights the evolving nature of American political discourse.

What Lies Ahead for Media Figures in Politics

With individuals like Trudo now considering political campaigns, one can expect the landscape of the Democratic Party to continue evolving as media figures contribute their perspectives. Their experiences will undoubtedly shape public conversations and the future direction of the party, pressing both journalists and politicians to adapt in a rapidly changing political environment.

The dynamic between media personnel and political roles is likely to become more common, marking a significant shift in how both fields interact and influence each other.