In the wake of the 2016 election, social media has been singled out for blame for the ways in which some platforms were so easily manipulated into tools against democracy.
For 23-year-old Richard Wolf, it’s a completely different story; social media is the driving force behind his campaign to become the Democratic nominee in Texas House District 63.
“At least for my district...online communities have really put together a lot of really strong volunteers...and have really mobilized the Democrats in my area,” Wolf told Cheddar.
Wolf has been wielding memes to discuss liberal policy proposals on social media, which he says is the most cost-efficient and unfiltered way to campaign. So far, he has only spent about $200 on online advertising.
“Basically, I just make whatever I want, do whatever I like, and I put that online,” Wolf said. “So far, I’ve been getting pretty positive responses.”
Early voting numbers for the Texas primary on Tuesday show that Democratic turnout has surpassed GOP voting, giving the party momentum and hope to flip the Lone Star State. The Democrats face an uphill battle there as the Republicans now hold 95 of the 150 seats in the state House. But Wolf sees positive signs.
“People are not happy with the Trump administration...and we can see the Republican party kind of losing energy.” said Wolf.
Only time will tell whether the rising Democrat tide will lift Wolf’s boat at the ballot box.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/how-this-texas-house-candidate-is-using-memes-to-move-the-state-leftward).
Here's what to know ahead of voting for House Speaker.
The IRS plans to invite select taxpayers across 13 states to try out the agency's pilot electronic free file tax return system beginning in January.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing, underscoring China's continued support of Moscow amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Justice Department is appealing the prison sentence of the lengths of four Proud Boys leaders who were convicted in the January 6th Capitol attack.
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett endorsed the idea that the court adopt a formal code of conduct.
The Supreme Court ruled it would allow the Biden administration to regulate so-called ghost guns, or those untraceable homemade weapons, and also barred two Texas-based manufacturers from selling products that can be turned into ghost guns.
The Commerce Department on Tuesday updated and broadened its export controls to stop China from acquiring advanced computer chips and the equipment to manufacture them.
And in a surprise move, President Joe Biden has joined former President Trump's Truth social platform.
The Supreme Court ruled it would allow the Biden administration to regulate so-called ghost guns, or those untraceable homemade weapons, and also barred two Texas-based manufacturers from selling products that can be turned into ghost guns.
Former President Donald Trump returned to a New York City courtroom Tuesday to watch the civil fraud trial that threatens to disrupt his real estate empire, renewing his claims that the case is a baseless and politically targeted distraction from his 2024 campaign.
