Taylor Swift may be known for her chart-topping hits, but her latest endorsement seems to have struck a sour note with many voters in her home state.
A new poll from the University of Massachusetts Lowell revealed that the pop sensation is rapidly losing favor among GOP registrants in Pennsylvania after publicly backing Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential campaign. The numbers paint a troubling picture for Swift among Republican voters, where a staggering 61% now view her unfavorably, with only 16% offering approval. Swift, who initially built her early career with a largely apolitical persona, now finds herself in a foray of political backfire.
The backlash isn’t limited to Republicans. Independent voters, who often hold sway in crucial elections, are not warming up to Swift either. According to the poll, just 29% of independents approve of her, while 48% disapprove. It appears her attempt to sway undecided voters by aligning with Harris is falling on deaf ears. Swift’s troubles extend beyond political independents. Her popularity has taken a significant hit among white voters as well, where she now sits at a 35% approval rating compared to 40% disapproval.
Even among non-aligned voters, Swift is facing an uphill battle. With just 23% of this group approving of her, and 45% disapproving, it’s clear that the pop star’s pivot into the political arena has not been met with the applause she’s accustomed to.
Swift’s decision to endorse Harris appears to have alienated a significant portion of her fanbase in her home state. While her music may continue to dominate the airwaves, her political clout seems to be faltering. The singer publicly backed Vice President Harris for president on the evening of September 10, following the pivotal debate with former President Trump. “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election,” Swift wrote on Instagram after the debate.
“I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.”
Swift finished, “I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it’s much easier to vote early. I’ll link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.”
Often regarded as a critical swing state in national elections, Pennsylvania will play a pivotal role in determining the presidency. With its diverse population and a mix of urban and rural voters, the Keystone State is a key battleground for both parties.
