Trisha Paytas has set her sights on an unexpected new venture.
Internet personality Trisha Paytas has announced an unexpected new ambition: entering the political arena. In a YouTube video titled “2026 MANIFESTATIONS,” uploaded on January 6, the 37-year-old content creator expressed her desire to run for a seat in the US House of Representatives, representing California.
Paytas, who resides in California with her husband, Moses Hacmon, and their three children, shared this revelation from the confines of her car. “I know, it sounds crazy to me too,” she admitted in the video. “I really want to be able to truly make a difference because I see so much horrible stuff happening in the world, and happening right here in California as well.”
The announcement comes as Paytas, a long-time influencer with a substantial online following, continues to evolve her public persona. Later that day, she elaborated on her political aspirations in a TikTok post, humorously noting that she was “currently Googling” how to run for Congress. She described the inspiration as coming from a “dream, in a vision if you will,” adding, “It’s so vivid to me.”
From Influencer to Aspiring Politician
Trisha Paytas has been a prominent figure on social media since launching her YouTube channel in 2007. Over the years, she has amassed over 5 million subscribers on YouTube and a combined following of 13 million across TikTok and Instagram. Known for her candid discussions on pop culture and personal life, Paytas now seeks to channel her influence into political action.
Motherhood has been a significant factor in her decision to consider a political career. Since the birth of her first child in 2022, Paytas has become increasingly concerned about global and local issues. “I never thought of myself as a political person until I started having kids and realizing, like, the world could be just so disastrous, dystopian for real by the time they get to be adults,” she told her followers.
Potential Policy Proposals
Paytas has already begun outlining some of her potential policies should she be elected to Congress. One of her key proposals is to raise the legal age for participating in adult entertainment to 25. “That’s one, but I have so many other agendas,” she stated, hinting at a broader platform yet to be fully developed.
In terms of campaign messaging, Paytas has a slogan in mind: “California could be good.” She emphasized the need for systemic improvements, saying, “Just need to figure out a better system for everyone and everything. I’m looking into it.”
The Road Ahead
If Paytas decides to pursue her congressional ambitions, she will need to navigate the complex process of candidacy. This includes filing paperwork, gathering signatures, and either paying a $1,740 filing fee or collecting 1,740 signatures by March 6. Alternatively, she could enter as a write-in candidate for the primary election in June, requiring a top-two finish to advance to the general election in November.
While this announcement marks a bold new chapter for Paytas, it is not the first time she has surprised her audience with ambitious declarations. However, a run for Congress would undoubtedly be her most significant endeavor yet, potentially transforming her from a digital influencer to a political figure.
As the 2026 election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Paytas will follow through on her political aspirations. Her journey from internet fame to a potential congressional bid underscores the evolving nature of celebrity influence in the political landscape.
