Trisha Paytas considers running for Congress in 2026 election

Trisha Paytas says she’s considering a 2026 congressional run over concerns about California and her children’s future

Content creator Trisha Paytas has revealed that she is considering a run for the U.S. House of Representatives in California in the 2026 election.

The YouTuber and influencer shared the possibility in a video titled “2026 Manifestations,” uploaded on January 5, where she spoke candidly about her growing interest in public service.

Paytas, 37, said the idea of running for Congress may sound surprising but stems from her desire to make a tangible difference. She explained that becoming a mother shifted her perspective, prompting concerns about the direction of society and the future her children may face. According to Paytas, those worries motivated her to think more seriously about civic responsibility and political engagement.

In a TikTok posted later the same day, Paytas added that she had begun researching the process of running for Congress. She described the idea as something that came to her vividly, saying it felt like a sudden realization rather than a long-term plan. However, she emphasized that she is still in the early stages and has not formally announced a campaign.

If Paytas decides to run, she would need to complete California’s nomination requirements, which include filing candidacy paperwork, gathering voter signatures, and paying a filing fee or submitting signatures in lieu of the fee by early March. She could also attempt to run as a write-in candidate during the primary election.

Paytas has not disclosed whether she would affiliate with a political party. In the past, she has expressed support for candidates across the political spectrum, while also acknowledging limited political involvement earlier in her career.

She stated that one potential policy focus would be raising the minimum age to participate in the adult entertainment industry. Paytas also floated a possible campaign slogan: “California could be good.”

The influencer has recently expanded her career beyond digital platforms, including a Broadway debut and an upcoming role in HBO’s Euphoria.