In recent weeks, Argentine politics has taken on an unexpected component
heading towards the elections of October 2025: the presence of
celebrities as candidates in various districts across the country. What began
as a rumor in party hallways has materialized in official ballots,
with names linked to the worlds of television, sports, and
entertainment.
This trend is neither isolated nor improvised. It is part of a strategic
design aimed at leveraging the media notoriety of certain figures
to connect with voters who tend to feel distant from traditional
politics. This gamble raises a central question: to what extent can
fame translate into votes and, eventually, into real political power?
From showbiz to Congress: the names that surprise
The candidacies span a wide spectrum. Among the most
notable cases are Virginia Gallardo (national deputy from Corrientes, La
Libertad Avanza), Jorge Porcel Jr. and Claudio “Turco” García (City of
Buenos Aires), Karen Reichardt (Province of Buenos Aires), Larry de Clay
(with Santiago Cúneo), Laura Soldano (Córdoba), Evelyn Von Brocke (San
Isidro), Carlos “Loco” Enríquez (Lanús), and Sergio “Tronco” Figliuolo (Province
of Buenos Aires).
Far from being mere testimonials, these candidacies aim to capture votes in
competitive districts where the single ballot enhances the recall of
the name and face. The symbolic capital of these candidates serves as a
short emotional circuit in an electorate that often votes more by proximity
than by political platforms.
Electoral strategy and doubts about governance
The emergence of celebrities in politics is not a completely new phenomenon in
Argentina, but its current scale marks a difference. Both the ruling party
and the opposition have incorporated celebrities into their lists, aware that
visibility in media and social networks can provide immediate advantages.
However, doubts remain.
Among the main questions raised by analysts and voters are:
● Can media popularity be sustained in the legislative arena?
● Do these candidates have the preparation to face the dynamics
of parliament?
● Is there a risk of trivializing politics by prioritizing fame over
qualification?
A sign of change in the political-society relationship
Beyond the criticism, the appearance of media figures reflects a
transformation in how parties seek legitimacy. Facing a
citizenry that appears increasingly distant from career politicians,
familiar faces become symbolic bridges capable of
awakening interest and mobilization.
The October elections will not only be a showdown between the ruling party and
the opposition. They will also test a phenomenon that could redefine the
relationship between politics and society: the possibility that “celebrity voting”
ceases to be an anecdote to become a decisive actor in the Argentine political
landscape.
Would you vote for any of them?
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