On Jan. 5, Internet star Trisha Paytas announced that she’s running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, a move that surprised a good amount of people. This move brings up a lot of questions: What does this mean for Paytas? What does it take to be a U.S. representative? Should there be more restrictions? So many questions, and so little time.

When writing this article, it was hard to figure out an angle on this story: It’s not that this is necessarily a bad thing – loads of people try their hand at becoming a part of the House of Representatives. Paytas is not the first celebrity or influencer to run for office, and she won’t be the last. 

On the other hand, we’re all currently aware of the dangers of having a celebrity in office, especially when they don’t have much experience in the field. It will not be much of a surprise if the American public is hesitant to elect another entertainment figure, no matter how much of a diva they might be.

Let’s go back to that further point though: there really are not a ton of requirements to run for the House. The most you need is to have been a U.S. citizen for seven years, a residence in the state you’ll represent and you must be 25 or older. 

No degree needed, no entry fee to pay, just an oath to swear and bills to sign. The former of which do aid in your transition to power, but there are some lucky few who got in without a college degree or sizable wealth. These people made just as much of a difference as the people with more extensive, perhaps more relevant degrees. 

As a society, we feel better when the people we trust are qualified to carry that trust. We trust firemen to rescue us because they’ve gone through the proper training and have the proper tools. We trust academics with Ph.D.s and published research papers because they have evidence to back up their standings. They have the proper schooling and life experience to speak on the topic they teach. Why should we entrust the nation’s safety and security to people who are, quite simply, unqualified? 

You shouldn’t judge someone’s ability to lead the country by the way they act for the camera, or how much money they make, or what school they went to, their last name, or really any of their prior experience. The things that matter the most in politics now is one’s ability to stand their own ground and defend their followers’ interests, whether that be for better or for worse. 

Paytas, should she be nominated, would be running in California’s 2026 congressional election. Through the Suffolk Journal, I do not endorse any candidates — but would not hate to see her win.