The 18-Year-Old High Schooler Behind the RNC’s Creator Strategy

This U.S. election cycle is really shaping up to be one where creators take center stage. More than 100 social media influencers, who post about everything from conservative politics to fitness and gaming, have descended on the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week, the first time a major political convention is giving creators access typically reserved for traditional media outlets. Next month, the Democratic National Convention Committee will also provide influencers with credentials to attend its Chicago convention.

The RNC’s creator efforts have been in the works since early last year, when Brilyn Hollyhand, an 18-year-old high school student from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, pitched the idea to then-RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel. In an interview, Hollyhand—who is now co-chair of the RNC’s Youth Advisory Council—said inviting creators required some convincing of “higher ups,” but former President Donald Trump, who is “the ultimate influencer” supported the idea.