Who Are the Top 5 Politicians on Instagram?

image
Created: 29 Oct, 2013
Updated: 21 Nov, 2022
2 min read

From Lo-Fi to Mayfair, Instagram is no longer run by culture starved hipsters and #foodporn sharing Yelpers. Politicians, past and present, are signing on to the photo sharing app as a way to personally connect to their constituents.

Here are my picks for the top 5 politicians on Instagram in 2013.

1. @CoryBooker: Mayor of Newark, NJ

politicians_on_instagramCory Booker, current Mayor of Newark and Senator-elect of New Jersey, tops the list as a vibrant and experienced user of Instagram. Booker is no stranger to social media, however, explaining his aptitude for the photo-sharing app. Unlike many users, he frequently uses the video function, recently posting a series of short interview responses in an #instaview series with @nowthisnews.

His fascination with social media rests heavily on its ability to unite constituents with their elected representative.

"Eliminating a step in the communication process, social media ensures that politicians, if active, can know about issues as they happen. Removing the middleman not only creates efficiency, but increases accountability among politicians," Booker said.

And if you're wondering what one account he follows, it's @HelpUSA, an organization providing homes, jobs, and services for America's homeless.

2. @GeorgeWBush: 43rd President of the USA

top_politicians_on_instagram_2

Whether you agree with his former policies as president or not, George W. has done an impressive job using Instagram to promote his foundation, The Bush Center.

From his use of trending hashtags to his understanding of the viral effects of cats, he appears to be familiar with the mobile app, even posting an image with Michael Jordan in honor of #tbt -- Throwback Thrusday.

IVP Donate

3. @ChicagosMayor: Mayor Rahm Emanuel

politicians_on_instagram_2

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's instagram account mixes work with play, inviting his followers into a more personal side to his life. While he posts stock political pictures at events and promoting his projects, he doesn't hesitate to post fun pictures, like attending a cubs game. The behind-the-scenes shot with Conan O'Brien not only humanizes the mayor, but his use of the hashtag #chicoco makes him reliable to the "average" instagram user.

4. @Michelle Obama: First Lady of the United States

politicians on instagram

As a part of her Let's Move campaign, the First Lady uses Instagram to promote "Drink Up," share health tips, and post pictures of healthy foods.

While the account is run by her staff, she does post occasionally, signing her posts -mo. Her most recent personal post was on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:

"Today, we honor all who held fast to their dream for America. Let’s continue that march and do our part to change history. –mo #MLKDream50," she wrote.

There is one thing her team could work on, however -- moderating comments.

5. @GovChristie: Governor of New Jersey

poiticians_on_instagram_w

OLAS Media

While Mayor of New York City Mike Bloomberg has twice as many followers, Governor Chris Christie shares an eclectic collection of photos on his account, from Throwback Thursday of his wife and family to current newspaper clips. My favorite: the Times 100 most influential people of the year.

Who are we missing? Add your pick in the comments section!

Latest articles

I voted stickers
In Oakland, Barbara Lee's RCV Strategy Seen as Critical to Mayoral Victory
In a dramatic shift following the April 15 special mayoral election in Oakland, former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee has been declared the winner, pulling into a commanding lead over former Councilmember Loren Taylor, as vote counting continues....
18 Apr, 2025
-
2 min read
Bernie Sanders
Sanders and AOC Wrap 'Fighting Oligarchy' Tour and Bernie Takes the Mic at Coachella
US Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrapped up their Fighting Oligarchy Tour on April 16, after a five-day, seven-stop sweep through the West that drew nearly 150,000 people—capping it off with an unexpected appearance by Sanders at the Coachella music festival....
18 Apr, 2025
-
3 min read
AOC
Is Bernie Passing the Torch to AOC for the 2028 Presidential Election?
US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) continues to make waves in US politics. She is co-headlining rallies across the country with US Sen. Bernie Sanders as part of the "Fighting Oligarchy Tour," which has drawn large crowds even in GOP strongholds....
17 Apr, 2025
-
4 min read