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).
The National Rifle Association says the nation's most powerful gun-rights organization has filed for bankruptcy and will seek to incorporate the nation’s most politically influential gun-rights group in Texas.
From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, these are the top stories that moved markets and had investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs talking this week on Cheddar.
State and federal wildlife officials are investigating reports of a manatee found with “Trump” drawn on its back in a Florida river.
The global death toll from COVID-19 has topped 2 million. It crossed the threshold on Friday, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
Gov. Cuomo unveiled a proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis in the Empire State, which could add a much-needed source of tax revenue amid the financial devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Congress passed a COVID relief deal that includes a second stimulus payment for Americans. So who qualifies? And when will the checks arrive? Here's what you need to know.
Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Wash. 8th District), stated that the FBI was looking into allegations that members of Congress aided or abetted pro-Trump rallygoers who breached the Capitol on January 6.
Cheddar looks ahead to what may be in store for President-elect Joe Biden once he takes office on January 20.
A coronavirus action plan from President-elect Joe Biden centers on a mass vaccination campaign and closer coordination among all levels of government.
President Donald Trump has been impeached by the U.S. House over the violent siege of the Capitol.
