Trisha Paytas is setting her sights on politics.
Yes. Politics.
The YouTuber and influencer shared that she is thinking about running for Congress in California in 2026. This idea is hers, not from a strategist, donor, or party leader.
It came from a dream.
‘I Would Love to Run’
In a YouTube video called “2026 MANIFESTATIONS,” filmed in her car and posted on January 5, Paytas shared her desire to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I know, it sounds so crazy to me, too,” she admitted. “I really want to be able to truly make a difference.”
She said watching what is happening in the world and in California pushed her to think bigger.
And motherhood changed everything.
The Dream That Sparked It All
Later that day, Paytas doubled down on TikTok.
“The idea of me being representative for the state of California came to me in a dream,” she said. “In a vision, if you will. It’s so vivid to me.”
She also revealed she was actively Googling how to run for Congress.
Not metaphorically. Literally.
@trishlikefish88 ♬ original sound – trishapaytas
Motherhood Changed Her Mindset
Paytas said becoming a mom in 2022 flipped a switch.
She now worries about what kind of world her children will grow up in.
“I never thought of myself as a political person until I started having kids,” she explained.
“The world could be disastrous and dystopian by the time they’re adults.”
That fear pushed her out of her comfort zone.
She told herself it was time to stop tuning everything out.
@trishlikefish88 ♬ original sound – trishapaytas
What Her Platform Would Focus On
Paytas already has a policy idea in mind.
Her main goal would be raising the minimum age for adult entertainment work to 25.
“I want a better system for everyone and everything,” she said.
Her possible campaign slogan?
“California could be good.”
She repeated it twice. Like she was convincing herself.
What It Would Take to Get on the Ballot
If Paytas runs, she must file paperwork, declare her candidacy, and collect signatures.
She can either pay a $1,740 filing fee or collect 1,740 valid signatures by March 6.
She could also run as a write-in candidate, but that path is tougher.
Either way, she would need serious votes to make November.
No Party Chosen Yet
Paytas did not say which party she would run under.
Her political history is all over the map.
She supported Mitt Romney in 2012.
Backed Donald Trump in 2016.
Later walked that back.
Admitted she voted for Joe Biden in 2020 because she thought he quoted Hamilton.
Yes. Really.
Politics has never been her strong suit.
Until now, apparently.
From Internet Chaos to Capitol Hill?
Outside of politics, Paytas is riding a career high.
She recently made her Broadway debut in Beetlejuice and landed a role in Euphoria Season 3.
“I’m lucky, and I’m really thankful,” she said recently. “I’ve just been enjoying life.”
Now she might want to legislate it.
Is this a serious campaign or classic Trisha chaos?
Right now, it is both.
And knowing her, that might be exactly the point.
Los Angeles–based entertainment writer covering reality TV, celebrity news, and pop culture exclusives.
