No Kings But King Algorithm
How community activists, influencers, and everyday individuals are continuing to show up in this moment
Hey There!
Welcome to a jam-packed special edition of Influencer Impact. With so much going on in the news we just couldn’t wait to be in your inboxes again.
Before we jump in, a quick reminder that we cannot wait to see our DC readers this week for our happy hour with a purpose. We’ll raise a glass (and some funds!) for SMYAL, an organization working day-in and day-out to supporting trans youth in our community.
Can’t wait to see you there! Now let’s get to it.
No Kings But King Algorithm
In May, we wrote that Democrats were struggling to break through in the online conversation. That all changed after the No Kings rallies, which generated an explosion of posts, trouncing anything we’ve seen so far in the second Trump Administration.
What’s more striking than the number of people talking about No Kings is how many engaged with content surrounding the rallies. These massive, peaceful protests represent a return to posting by ‘normie’ Democrats and moderate or left leaning independents.
Online, the No Kings rallies were celebrated as a coast-to-coast show of people power. Posts marveled at packed streets from the Bay Area to the East Coast, swapping crowd photos and headcounts that climbed into the millions. The mood was equal parts defiant and hopeful, with people calling the day “historic” and cheering the creative, peaceful vibe that drew everyday Democrats, moderates, and left-leaning independents back to using their voices online.
People in the comments framed the marches as patriotic, tapping founding-era language to insist that “we have no kings” and that resistance is part of the American DNA. While the slogan cast a wide net against authoritarianism, immigration crackdowns gave the rallies sharp focus: threads lit up with calls to defend immigrants and push back on federal enforcement, turning abstract ideals into concrete action points.
The No Kings rallies made one thing clear: in America, the only throne belongs to the people.
Hey Influencers - Run For Something!
On Wednesday, join Val Cheney and the People First team for “Influencer to Office,” a fast-paced panel on turning online clout into real-world power. They’ll sit down with Ana Ramón of Annie’s List and Kandice Harris of Run for Something, two pros to talk about their experience launching new political leaders.
The lineup also features Averie Bishop, a trailblazing creator and former candidate, and Tessa Kaneene, a coach who guides fresh progressive voices onto the ballot. Expect candid stories, practical advice, and plenty of energy on how influencers can run, win, and shake up politics for good. RSVP here.
Microinfluencers Outperform Campaign Ads
Tech for Campaigns’ new digital-ads deep dive shows just how much punch tiny but trusted voices can pack: in its state-legislative program, posts from nano and micro creators, folks with local lifestyle, education, or community followings, pulled in five-to-nine-times more interactions than those same creators usually get, and when the team put paid spend behind those posts the ads clocked a 42 percent higher engagement rate than standard campaign creative. The takeaway for campaigns and causes is clear: if you want attention that actually moves, invest early in authentic hometown creators, then juice their content with a little paid lift.
Special Podcast Episode: Talking MAHA Microinfluencers and the 2028 election with Digital Analyst Joe Drymala
In this special episode of Influencer Impact, Nicole and Ryan sit down with Joe Drymala, political social media analyst and owner of Share of Voice. They discuss how microinfluencers powered RFK Jr.’s MAHA movement and which 2028 contender is surprisingly popular with young men online. Listen here.
A Statement from the People First Team
Last week’s Supreme Court decision to uphold bans on gender-affirming care for trans youth is devastating. It’s not just a legal ruling, it’s a message to young people across the country that their humanity is up for debate. At People First, we reject that message entirely.
We’ve watched as political leaders continue to harm some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. But we’ve also witnessed people respond with incredible courage and care. Parents, community organizers, and neighbors are speaking up and showing what it means to care for each other in the face of injustice.
We want to share a special thank you to our partners in this fight who have voiced their support for trans youth! Your willingness to show up and share your personal truths helps build the kind of compassion this moment demands.
Our youth deserve compassion, they deserve to be supported by our leaders, and they deserve access to life changing healthcare that affirms who they are.
People First remains committed to supporting our communities and to building a future grounded in dignity and shared humanity. We will continue to fight for a world where everyone can access the respect and care they deserve.
Washington DC: Digi Pride Happy Hour on Thursday!
🌈🍸🍹Calling all message-makers, campaign crafters, and digital doers—we’re taking over Kramers on Thursday for a FREE, casual happy hour to reconnect the folks who keep the hard work in advocacy and digital moving forward.
Expect good drinks, great company, and a chance to raise a glass (and a few bucks) for a cause worth toasting
As LGBTQ-led teams, we see Pride as both celebration and call to action. While this event is free to attend, we’ll be raising funds for SMYAL, a DC-based org doing incredible work to empower LGBTQ youth and build a more inclusive future.
Smash that RSVP link, mark your calendar, and we’ll see you at the bar!
Creators for Change: Ryan Davis Live in Berlin, MD
Our CEO Ryan Davis is back home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore on Wednesday for a free talk, Creators for Change: Powering the Next Democratic Wave, at the Worcester County Library’s Berlin branch.
He’ll walk through the influencer tactics that helped Trump dominate digital channels in 2024 and outline the playbook Democrats need for 2026 and 2028. Doors open at 5:30 PM, the program starts at 6 PM, and light refreshments are on us. If you’ll be anywhere near Berlin, MD, hit the RSVP link so we can save you a seat.
