The 2022 midterms: why races with celebrity candidates are interesting for both academics and journalists

There are many close electoral races in this year’s midterm elections, but a handful have captured the imagination of the public, academics, and the media in the US and abroad. Caroline Leicht looks at why races in Alaska, Pennsylvania and Georgia have come to the forefront of reporting about the midterms and argues that the celebrities taking part hold the name recognition that encourages both media reporting and academic research. This dual focus ensures a level of public awareness that may not be found in races where celebrities are not running.