House Competes for Most Social Media Followers

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th) is hoping to get more followers on social media, along with the rest of the US House of Representatives’ Democrats who are looking for more ways to engage citizens in the governmental process. This month, Congressman Hoyer and his colleagues are beginning the 2016 House Democrats’ Member Online All-Star Competition, a three-week competition in which the Democrats try to gain new followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

The contest ends July 20.

Congressman Hoyer said social media is a way to provide two-communication between the Democratic Caucus and the American people, making online engagement essential to members of the House. Last year, the competition led to 231,000 new followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Members, committees, and caucuses will track their new members on a scoreboard during the three-week competition, which has already begun. When the contest ends, the top 50 members will be named Online All-Stars; the top finisher will be the MVP; and there will be a Freshman MVP and a Blackout MVP. Awards will be presented for the best video, infographic, constituent services post, and most viral content produced.

Last year’s winners included Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA, 5th) as overall MVP and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI, 12th) as Freshman MVP. Two members – Reps. John Lewis (D-GA, 5th) and Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM, 1st) – were awarded for the most viral posts. Other members also were recognized for outstanding content: Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd) won “best video” sub-category, Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA, 7th) won “best infographic” sub-category, and Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY, 25th) won “top constituent services” post.

Every morning of the competition, the scoreboard will be updated for the top 50 members. See the scoreboard online.

Follow Congressman Hoyer on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information about House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer, visit his Leader Page.