Shift in Engagement Patterns

According to a new report by Quorum, there has been a stark contrast in social media utilization between Republican and Democratic lawmakers in 2024. The report reveals that Republican representatives have overwhelmingly dominated the platform, leaving only one Democratic member, Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), among the top 20 most active congressional accounts.

This shift marks a considerable change from data collected in 2023. That year, the top ten most active congressional accounts comprised six Republicans and four Democrats; however, the latest statistics show an all-Republican top tier.

Public Sentiment and Reactions

The decline in Democratic engagement on X is attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with Musk’s leadership and the direction of the platform. Critics assert that Musk has utilized X to amplify right-wing voices and bolster former President Donald Trump’s influences. Conversely, Musk and his supporters maintain that his goal is to foster a more user-driven environment, prioritizing free speech over censorship.

A survey conducted in early 2023 underscored this trend, revealing a downturn in the number of Americans identifying as Democrats actively using the platform. The report indicated, “The use of X is on the decline among the general public after Elon Musk’s takeover — with Democrats driving the exodus,” reflecting a broader unease with Musk’s management.

Changing Habits Among Congressional Democrats

Observations from the report highlight a notable change in the social media habits of public officials, especially among Democrats. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), previously the most active Democratic user on X, saw his posting frequency plummet by 66% in 2024. Meanwhile, fellow California Democrats Rep. Robert Garcia and Rep. Ted Lieu experienced declines in activity of 35% and 26%, respectively.

In stark contrast, Republican lawmakers make up 54.4% of X posts by members of Congress in 2024, while Democrats account for 45.1%. This represents a significant shift from 2023 when Democrats accounted for 50.8% of congressional activity on the platform, compared to 48.8% by Republicans.

Social Media Management by Lawmakers

It is important to note that many congressional lawmakers often delegate control of their X accounts to their staff, which can impact the frequency and style of engagement. However, some lawmakers, such as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), are particularly noted for their direct interactions with users on the platform, showcasing a different approach to social media engagement.

A Call to Action from Democratic Voices

Amid this decline in active engagement, Rep. Maxwell Frost has emerged as a vocal advocate for sustained Democratic presence on the platform. In a recent interview with Politico, he expressed concern over the potential consequences of Democrats vacating the platform. “If we leave X, it will help Elon with his goal of making the platform void of any progressive ideology or the way we think about the world,” Frost warned.