Candidate Uses Tinder to Connect with Voters

In a surprising move, a Democrat aiming to challenge Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York has turned to Tinder as a means to attract votes and maybe find a political partner. This innovative strategy has caught the attention of people across the Hudson Valley, leaving many, including candidate Mike Sachs, a divorced father of two, showing up on their app feeds.

Sachs, 65, has boldly stated his intentions in his Tinder profile: “I’m Mike Sachs, running for Congress in NY-17. I’m looking for people who believe health care is a human right, that housing should be affordable, and that democracy deserves to be defended.” He emphasizes voting as a “green flag” and adds, somewhat humorously, that if you’re Lawler—well, that’s a definite red flag.

He encourages potential matches to “swipe right” if they’re interested in engaging on important issues. His profile suggests an openness to discussing topics that matter to the local community—making it clear he’s there to talk politics rather than seek romantic connections.

Interestingly, Sachs isn’t the only politician to use dating apps for political outreach. In past elections, Sooraj Patel took a different approach, creating fake profiles to try and directed potential voters to the polls, claiming “Tinder banking” as his method.

Political experts believe Sachs’s tactic reflects the changing landscape of voter engagement. Even Ross-Smith from Slingshot Strategies notes that dating apps have become integral to daily interactions, offering a unique way for politicians to meet voters where they are.

However, there are challenges. Hank Shenkopf, an election consultant, pointed out that Sachs’s approach may not resonate universally, particularly in areas with large ultra-Orthodox communities, suggesting that Sakch’s methods might not reach all demographics effectively.

In a lighthearted jab, Lawler mocked Sachs’s Tinder efforts, saying it might be the first time Sachs had swiped right on anything. He even offered to help him find common ground with other left-leaning individuals.

Though Sachs acknowledges using Tinder for campaign promotion, he reiterates that there are no romantic intentions behind the profile. “This is a swipe right on democracy,” he clarified, emphasizing the need to reach out to voters in unconventional ways.

Sachs reported a positive initial response to his campaign strategy, indicating that around 3,000 individuals had expressed interest in joining his meet-and-greet events. Of course, not everyone was supportive—some comments were less than kind, including one purportedly from a Mike Lawler, dismissing his chances. Yet, it seems Sachs is determined to make his mark in the upcoming election.