As the 2024 presidential election cycle heats up, a diverse array of celebrities with Maryland connections have stepped forward to lend their support and influence to Kamala Harris' campaign. From acclaimed actors and designers to renowned musicians and public figures, these high-profile endorsements aim to energize voters and amplify Harris' message across the nation.

Mobilizing the "Nerds" and Fashioning a Winning Look

One superhero actress has assembled a coalition of celebrity "nerds" to rally around Kamala Harris, while a heartthrob actor has stumped for Angela Alsobrooks, the U.S. Senate candidate. Additionally, a fashion designer from Maryland has created a custom purple pantsuit that Oprah Winfrey wore to fire up voters for Harris at the Democratic National Convention.

Harnessing the Power of Household Names

While the media spotlight has often shone on national figures like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Elon Musk, and Kanye West, a host of household names with Maryland ties have also entered the political fray. Candidates across the political spectrum routinely leverage celebrity endorsements to attract voters and draw attention to key issues, according to political analysts.However, the impact of these endorsements is not always clear-cut. The influence of a celebrity's support depends more on the individual voter than the popularity of the celebrity itself. Factors such as the voter's education level and familiarity with the issues can shape the sway of a celebrity's endorsement.

Oprah's Transcendent Appeal vs. Beyoncé's Stratospheric Fame

"Oprah, she transcends. She's an across-the-board figure that people like and trust," said Mileah Kromer, director of the UMBC Institute of Politics. "There's famous and there is Beyoncé famous. There are certain people who reach the stratosphere, and they are different than others."While Oprah's endorsement may carry significant weight, the impact of a celebrity's support can also depend on the voter's perception of the celebrity's authenticity and commitment to the cause. A local celebrity who has consistently advocated for an issue may have more sway than a national figure who suddenly weighs in.

Backlash and Influence: The Complexities of Celebrity Activism

Some celebrities have faced backlash for expressing political views, with figures like Jane Fonda, LeBron James, and Colin Kaepernick facing criticism or even blacklisting for their stances. However, others have found success in using their platforms to champion causes, such as the celebrities involved in the world hunger movement and the anti-apartheid protests in the 1980s.The average voter may be more familiar with a celebrity's personal life than a politician's policy positions, as Kromer noted: "More people probably know that Taylor Swift is dating Travis Kelce than the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." This dynamic highlights the complexities of celebrity influence in the political arena.

Maryland-Tied Celebrities Rally Behind Kamala Harris

From actresses and comedians to designers and musicians, a diverse array of celebrities with Maryland connections have thrown their support behind Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. These endorsements range from social media posts and campaign trail appearances to custom-designed outfits and fundraising events.Wanda Sykes, the acclaimed actress and comedian from Gambrills, has openly endorsed Harris and is a member of her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Baltimore native Bishme Cromartie, a "Project Runway All Stars" winner, has expressed his desire to design clothes for "President Harris."Singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers, hailing from Easton, joined Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on the campaign trail in Michigan, where she performed several of her hit songs. Meanwhile, designer Christian Siriano, from Annapolis, has gushed about Harris on social media and designed a custom ensemble for her 2023 State of the Union Address.Other Maryland-connected celebrities, such as actor Michael Ealy, "Modern Family" star Julie Bowen, and "Real Housewives of Potomac" cast member Wendy Osefo, have also lent their voices and platforms to support Harris' bid for the presidency.

Celebrities Leverage Their Influence to Mobilize Voters

The involvement of these Maryland-tied celebrities in the 2024 election cycle underscores the strategic role that high-profile endorsements can play in mobilizing voters and shaping the political landscape. While the ultimate impact of these endorsements remains to be seen, the diverse array of celebrities rallying behind Kamala Harris suggests a concerted effort to harness the power of celebrity influence and connect with a wide range of voters.As the campaign season unfolds, the interplay between celebrity activism and voter engagement will continue to be a captivating aspect of the 2024 presidential race, with Maryland-based stars playing a prominent role in the unfolding political drama.