Influencers Paid to Push Politicians | Roanoke News

Influencers are now getting paid to promote political candidates — think Shaka Smith endorsing Tom Steyer with a clear “paid ad” disclaimer. California and Texas are the only states requiring such disclosures, with California proposing fines up to $5,000 per violation to enforce transparency. Campaigns see social media as a powerful tool, even paying figures like Snooki Polizzi to attack opponents or defend controversial figures like Ken Paxton — often without full disclosure. Watchdogs are stepping in as voters demand honesty: is it real opinion or paid content? While federal rules lag, state efforts aim to set a national standard, balancing accountability with concerns for smaller creators. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/efd9ee0ecc541fd9