Michigan’s McMorrow and Hassan Named Among Most Influential Online Political Figures
Table of Contents
A new generation of digitally savvy politicians is reshaping the American political landscape, and two Michiganders – State Senator Mallory McMorrow and political candidate Amir Hassan – have been recognized as key players in this shift. Both were included on Wired magazine’s “2025 Political Power Users” list, highlighting individuals who are leveraging online platforms to connect with voters and drive political change.
Wired’s list identifies 22 “online upstarts” poised to significantly impact the next electoral era, mirroring the influence of figures like former President Donald Trump. The magazine notes that these individuals are “muscling their way onto the scene, armed with new ways of connecting with the masses and original visions of the country they want to live in.”
Categorizing the New Political Landscape
The magazine categorized these rising political stars into eight distinct groups, offering insight into the evolving dynamics of political engagement. These categories include:
- Digital Natives: Democrats and Progressives adept at mobilizing online audiences.
- MAGA Babies: Younger figures within the Trump political sphere blending traditional and new media strategies.
- Heterodox Republicans: A coalition on the right aiming to broaden the GOP’s appeal, including Hassan.
- Mutiny On The Left: Democrats challenging what they perceive as their party’s inaction.
- Viral Hits To Political Stars: Democrats who have successfully translated online fame into fundraising and organizing success, a category that includes McMorrow.
- The Texas Corner: Progressive Democrats in Texas working to shift the state’s political alignment.
- The Connectors: Individuals facilitating connections between political leaders and online influencers.
- Exported To Europe: A far-right coalition extending its influence into European politics.
McMorrow and Hassan: Profiles in Online Influence
Mallory McMorrow, 38, a Democrat representing Royal Oak in the Michigan State Senate, is categorized as a “Viral Hit to Political Star.” Wired highlights her ability to sustain viral fame and convert it into tangible political support. McMorrow, who flipped a GOP district in 2018, gained national attention in 2022 for a powerful speech defending herself against unfounded accusations. She is now running for an open U.S. Senate seat in 2026, competing against a field that includes former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, and former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed.
“Yes, we’re going to be very critical of Donald Trump and [senior adviser] Elon Musk because I firmly believe that people did not vote for the chaos that we are seeing them unleash,” McMorrow told the Detroit Free Press earlier this year. “But that’s also not enough. … We want to lay out a vision of building what’s next, acknowledging that the status quo did not work for people and it’s on us to build something new.” McMorrow currently serves as the Senate majority whip – the first woman in state history to hold the position – and chairs the Economic Community Development Committee.
Amir Hassan, 39, a Flint native, is identified as a “Heterodox Republican.” He is challenging first-term U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in Michigan’s 8th District. Hassan, a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy and federal law enforcement, announced his candidacy on July 14, arguing that Democratic representation has contributed to the decline of the region.
“Where I’m from, we’re raised to think Democrats are the good guys,” Hassan stated in a video posted on X. “We’ve been held culturally hostage for over half a century. But look around. Flint is what happens when your vote is taken for granted.” Hassan’s background includes service at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and as an intelligence analyst.
A Shifting Political Tide
Wired’s analysis suggests a broader realignment in American politics, with traditional pathways to power being disrupted by digitally native candidates. The magazine points to a fracturing of the coalition that twice elected Barack Obama – college-educated, young, Black, and Latino voters – and a corresponding effort by candidates like Hassan to broaden the Republican base. This new era demands a different skillset, one where online presence and engagement are paramount. The rise of figures like McMorrow and Hassan signals a fundamental shift in how politicians connect with and mobilize voters, promising a more dynamic and unpredictable political future.
