Cardi B has proven herself to be much more than a funny personality on social media or yet one more reality TV star.
Born in the Bronx as Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar, Cardi B is an international mega-star. The "Bodak Yellow" rapper has accomplishments that far exceed her predecessors, including being the first female rapper on the cover of Vogue Magazine (along with her one-year-old daughter, Kulture). From her record-breaking and award-winning albums to her successes in the fashion industry (because her stylist never misses), Cardi has become a household name. To quote her own lyrics, Cardi's "little 15 minutes lasted long as hell."
Cardi has used her platform to express her political standings, most notably on Instagram. Her animated speeches denouncing #45 after the government shutdown at the top of 2019 was the first widely known instance of The rapper speaking not only passionately but rationally about American politics.
In fact, the queen is loud and extremely vocal about her decisions and where she stands on major issues. She has tweeted about her position on social security, supported Cynthia Nixon during her race for Governor of New York, and stood firm in her stance against performing for the Super Bowl in support of Colin Kapernick's peaceful protest. Time and time again, she’s demonstrated where her personal and political values lie.
So, Cardi’s tweets about running for Congress earlier this month shouldn't have been an entire shock. On January 12, Cardi tweeted, "I think I want to be a politician. I really love government even tho I don't agree with Government." This was followed by, "I do [feel] like if I go back to school and focus up I can be part of Congress. I deadass have soooo much ideas that make sense. I just need a couple years of school and I can shake the table."
The following day (Jan. 13), she continued discussing her political aspirations with fans (and haters) who responded with questions, some intrigued by her interests and some denouncing her desires altogether. She replied to negative comments from conservatives and supported "friendly debates" with opposition to discuss their differences. Cardi even responded to questions about her potential policy on gun control, promoting evaluations and training for gun holders.
Cardi has received support from Senator Bernie Sanders and her fellow Sanders protégé and Bronx-native, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (or as she should be nicknamed, The Notorious AOC).
Last summer, the rapper strived to educate young voters on the platforms of the presidential candidates. She sat down with The Bern to discuss current societal issues and the future of America. Before this meeting, Cardi asked her followers to submit questions they wanted to hear Senator Sanders answer; she chose the most popular, giving constituents a closer and more personal understanding of Sanders' platform and ideas. Afterward, Sanders wrote in an Instagram post, "We had a great conversation about the future of America. And let me tell you: Cardi B is right. Together, we'll get millions of young people involved in the political process and transform this country."
As a public figure, she already also has the support of much of the millennial and Gen-Z generation, which many current presidential candidates are trying to gain. With her relatable public image, social media popularity, and access to many major figures in politics and entertainment, she has a fair shot of winning more votes than one would first assume.
To run for Congress, Cardi B has to be 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and living in the state she's looking to be elected in. Cardi B is definitely within the age range (currently 27 years old) and, from public records, is a U.S. citizen currently living in Atlanta, Georgia.
Assuming Cardi takes the time to study constitutional law, as she promised, in a world of Kardashian lawyers and celebrity presidents, she has an extremely fair shot of winning a congressional seat. From her many political tweets, Instagram story rants, her love for government and its history, and sit-downs with political figures, Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar could not only win, she could make (dare I say) a difference.