Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
US midterm candidates use clothing to shape their campaign image
As Americans prepare to vote in the US midterm elections, candidates seeking seats in Congress are using clothing as well as policy to appeal to voters.
Social media makes personal style a way to catch attention and show what a candidate stands for.
Washington state Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, seeking re-election, wears practical work clothes that reflect the Pacific Northwest and her focus on working families and small businesses.
Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola, who is running for a Senate seat, wears outdoor gear that connects with her fishing background and Alaska roots.
Iowa Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson has used denim, a red bandana and American flag shoes to project a patriotic image for voters.
The choices matter because, as one stylist explained, candidates need to look capable of holding office while also seeming connected to the people they want to represent.
US midterm candidates are using clothing to attract attention and project messages about their identity and values.
Fashion stylist Joe Zee says candidates dress both to look capable of holding office and connected to voters.
Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez favours practical workwear that reflects the Pacific Northwest and her focus on working people.
Alaska Senate candidate Mary Peltola wears rugged outdoor clothing that draws on her fishing-boat experience and Alaskan identity.
Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson of Iowa has used American-flag details and other patriotic styles to appeal to voters.
- Who
- US midterm candidates, including Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Mary Peltola and Ashley Hinson.
- What
- Candidates are using clothing to shape their campaign images and communicate messages to voters.
- When
- As Americans prepare to vote in the US midterm elections.
- Where
- The United States, with examples from Washington state, Alaska and Iowa.
- Why
- To attract attention, project their identities and appeal to the people they want to represent.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez captured a Republican-held congressional seat in Washington state.
Mary Peltola wore traditional Yup'ik boots when she was sworn in as a congresswoman.
Ashley Hinson wore American-flag-decorated pumps at a primary election party in Iowa.
- Election
- US midterm elections
- Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
- Represents Washington's 3rd Congressional District
- Mary Peltola
- Running for a Senate seat in Alaska
- Ashley Hinson
- Republican Senate candidate from Iowa
- Hinson's footwear
- Pumps decorated with the American flag
What people are saying
Politicians are dressing for two jobs at once: to look capable of holding office but to also look connected to the people they want to represent
It's this idea that… I'm literally going to wear my patriotism on my sleeve.
Her denim dress, red bandana and sparkly American flag shoes all signal that she's a Republican wooing rural voters - and indeed she is.