Digital Presence to Political Voice: Denver’s Rayna King Enters Colorado House Race

Lately, it’s unlikely to go a day without discussing our uncertain and divided political climate at home, with coworkers or online. But as the first generation to grow up with smartphones, young people are not just sharing their political opinions online anymore. They’re now running for office in growing numbers; like Denver influencer Rayna Kingston, or better known as Rayna King, who recently announced that she is running for Colorado’s House of Representatives.

Kingston has been sharing stories about Denver online for the last five years, becoming a mighty force amongst a small yet growing group of Denver content creators. She reaches a broad audience with content that showcases the best of Denver restaurants, bars, attractions and more. With over 51,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 75,000 followers on TikTok, Kingston’s strong audience engagement has positioned her as one of the top Denver influencers.

Once upon a time, a political campaign was built on town halls, rallies and public meetings, but today we live in an age where the digital world is just as prevalent as the physical one. And as political unrest runs rampant in the United States, is a move like Kingston’s a signal of our political system changing?

The transition from influencer to public servant in a political role may seem like a risky career move for Kingston. Brands may be less willing to work with a politician than an influencer. But when issues like gun violence, women’s rights, student debt and social justice are being treated as divisive topics and continue to be disregarded by our current political administration, we are turning to people and brands that share the same views as our own.

Kingston hasn’t been shy about her views to her massive audience. When a new business positioned as a bodega called Town Pump Provisions opened in Cherry Creek North earlier this summer, Kingston shared her stance publicly. The food hall received backlash after influencers like Kingston publicly opposed the establishment, amidst images circulating of the owner indicating that she is a MAGA supporter.

The Curio Cabinet asked Kingston why she chose to speak out about Town Pump Provisions. For her, it was a no-brainer.

“Having a voice in this industry is so important because you are the connection between business and consumer,” she shared. “Being in this sphere means choosing how you show up wisely and curating a community that is built on authenticity and trust.”

Based on these instances where content creators of all kinds are using their voices, it’s clear that Denver’s community-oriented activism is stronger than ever.

As the founder of DAWG, Denver Activist Women’s Group, Kingston has been vocal across her platforms about her mission to support Denver businesses by building an online community through content creation. DAWG expanded her efforts, as the organization focuses on bringing passionate women together to create progressive change in the Denver community.

As someone who is deeply connected to the people in her community–not just by the nature of her role as an influencer but by her efforts to inspire change at a local level–Kingston’s transition into politics may be less surprising than we think. The days when brand deals were meant to be kept neutral and we didn’t talk about who we vote for may be over. The qualifications to enter politics are not what they used to be, and our current administration is proving that.

In a time where our political leaders are so distant from the communities they are claiming to serve, and so disconnected from the reality of the average American, why not vote for those who are deeply embedded in our communities? In a newsletter to her Substack audience, Kingston says it best:

“It is our turn to have representatives that think like us, look like us and fight for us in office,” she said. “Let’s bring back politicians who are already active in their communities — connectors, activists and locals who know their neighbors and their struggles and care deeply about making their surroundings better for everyone.

To learn more and support Kingston’s race, visit raynafordenver.com