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Top 20 Substack Influencers in U.S. Politics in 2025

From election analysis to policy deep dives, these political voices are transforming media. Explore our list of the top 20 Substack influencers in U.S. politics who are redefining writing and political commentary.

July 23, 2025
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Josie Renna

Josie Renna is a content strategy expert with a passion for helping creators navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Specializing in effective content creation techniques and platform-specific strategies, Josie provides insights to empower creators and brands to thrive online. With a deep understanding of algorithm dynamics and audience engagement, Josie shares actionable tips for optimizing content performance across various platforms.

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Here’s the list of the Top 20 Substack Influencers in U.S. Politics in 2025:

20. Adam Kinzinger

Adam Kinzinger is a former U.S. Congressman and military pilot, known for his outspoken political commentary and criticism of the Republican Party. He is a CNN Senior Political Commentator and the author of the bestselling book 'RENEGADE'. His social media presence focuses on political issues, particularly regarding Trump, Ukraine, and GOP dynamics, often expressing strong opinions on current events and party politics.

Substack Subscribers: 389K

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19. Jay Kuo

Jay Kuo is a political and legal analyst with a strong presence on social media, focusing on current events, legal issues, and political commentary. He is the CEO of The Social Edge and has a background in appellate litigation, having been admitted before the Supreme Court. Kuo's posts often critique political figures and policies, reflecting a progressive stance on various issues, including ethics in government and social justice.

Substack Subscribers: Hidden

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18. Andrew Sullivan

Andrew Sullivan is a prominent writer and commentator known for his critical views on contemporary social issues, particularly regarding gender identity and race. His social media presence features a mix of political commentary and personal reflections, often challenging mainstream narratives. He engages with topics such as trans rights, Black Lives Matter, and political dynamics in the U.S., showcasing a strong inclination towards conservative perspectives.

Substack Subscribers: 198K

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17. Steve Schmidt

Steve Schmidt is a political strategist and founder of The Warning, a platform that provides insights into political events before they unfold. His social media presence is characterized by strong critiques of Donald Trump and the Republican Party, emphasizing themes of governance, accountability, and civil rights. Schmidt's posts often reflect a progressive stance, advocating for democratic values and opposing authoritarianism. He engages with current political issues, aiming to mobilize public awareness and action.

Substack Subscribers: 173K

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16. Judd Legum

Judd Legum is the founder and author of Popular Information, an independent newsletter focused on accountability journalism. His content often critiques political figures and policies, particularly those related to Donald Trump and current events. He engages with his audience through detailed analyses and investigative reporting, emphasizing transparency and truth in politics.

Substack Subscribers: 592K

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15. Dan Rather

Dan Rather is a seasoned journalist and storyteller known for his extensive reporting career. He engages with audiences through interviews and discussions on current events, showcasing his expertise in journalism. Rather is also an author, with works like 'WHAT UNITES US' reflecting his insights on societal issues. His social media presence includes interactions with notable figures and discussions on significant topics, emphasizing his role in contemporary journalism.

Substack Subscribers: 530K

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14. Matthew Yglesias

Matthew Yglesias is a journalist and podcaster known for his critical analysis of political issues, particularly regarding healthcare and immigration. He co-hosts the podcast Politix.fm and writes for Bloomberg, focusing on the implications of legislation and the political landscape. His social media presence features sharp commentary on Republican policies and a commitment to progressive values, often highlighting the impact of political decisions on marginalized communities.

Substack Subscribers: 213K

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13. Sharon McMahon

Sharon McMahon is a prominent educator and author, known as 'America’s Government Teacher.' She engages over 1.8 million followers on social media, sharing insights on democracy, politics, and history. As the host of the award-winning podcast 'Here’s Where It Gets Interesting,' she discusses significant political issues and civic engagement. Her book, 'The Small and the Mighty,' highlights underrepresented figures in U.S. history. McMahon advocates for informed citizenship and community support during crises.

Substack Subscribers: 362K

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12. Joyce Vance

Joyce Vance is a law professor and former U.S. Attorney, known for her legal analysis on NBC and MSNBC. She actively engages in discussions about law, politics, and social issues, often highlighting the importance of women's rights and justice. Vance is also a knitting enthusiast and shares insights into her family life, including her pets and chickens. She writes on Substack and has authored a book titled 'Giving Up Is Unforgivable'.

Substack Subscribers: 630K

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11. Robert Reich

Robert Reich is a prominent political economist, author, and professor at UC Berkeley, known for his advocacy on economic inequality and social justice. As a former Secretary of Labor, he co-founded Inequality Media to raise awareness about the impacts of wealth disparity. His social media presence focuses on critiquing corporate power, promoting democratic values, and engaging the public in discussions about economic policies. He has authored numerous books and frequently addresses issues related to labor rights and government accountability.

Substack Subscribers: 1M

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10. Paul Krugman

Paul Krugman is a distinguished economist and professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, recognized for his contributions to economic theory and policy. He is a Nobel laureate and has previously served as a columnist for The New York Times, where he provided insights on economic issues and public policy. His work often addresses macroeconomic topics, trade, and fiscal policy, making him a prominent voice in economic discourse.

Substack Subscribers: 403K

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9. Matt Taibbi

Matt Taibbi is a journalist and author known for his critical analysis of political events, particularly surrounding the Trump administration and the Russiagate investigation. He shares insights on social media, often challenging mainstream narratives and discussing issues of corruption and accountability in politics. His work includes several notable books and contributions to various media outlets, reflecting a strong focus on investigative journalism and political commentary.

Substack Subscribers: 515K

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8. Nate Silver

Nate Silver is a prominent statistician and author known for his expertise in data analysis and political forecasting. He is the founder of FiveThirtyEight, a website that focuses on opinion poll analysis, politics, economics, and sports. His recent book, 'On The Edge,' has become a bestseller, showcasing his insights into current political dynamics. Silver's social media presence is characterized by sharp commentary on political events, data-driven insights, and a critical view of both major political parties.

Substack Subscribers: 299K

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7. Andy Borowitz

Andy Borowitz is a writer and comedian known for creating The Borowitz Report, a prominent news satire site since 2001. His work often blends humor with current events, providing a satirical take on political and social issues. With a strong online presence, he engages audiences through witty commentary and insightful observations, making him a notable figure in the realm of political satire.

Substack Subscribers: 619K

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6. Mehdi Hasan

Mehdi Hasan is a British-American journalist and the Editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo News. He is known for his incisive commentary on political issues, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and has a strong presence on social media where he engages in debates with far-right figures. His work includes columns for The Guardian and appearances on various media platforms, where he discusses pressing societal issues and critiques political narratives.

Substack Subscribers: 443K

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5. Jennifer Rubin and Norm Eisen | The Contrarian

Jennifer Rubin and Norm Eisen are leading voices on The Contrarian, a platform dedicated to unflinching journalism in defense of democracy, featuring discussions on political issues, economic policies, and social justice. Rubin brings her expertise as a political columnist, while Eisen contributes deep legal and policy knowledge from his background in government and ethics. Together, they help shape the platform’s focus on accountability, civic engagement, and resistance to authoritarianism.

Substack Subscribers: 545K

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4. Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas | MeidasTouch Network

Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas, brothers with backgrounds in law, marketing, and video production, founded MeidasTouch, an independent news network focused on breaking news, politics, and law. With a strong pro-democracy stance, MeidasTouch is known for its sharp critiques of political figures, particularly Donald Trump, and its emphasis on government accountability and social justice. The platform has grown rapidly through its strong social media presence and timely, engaging content aimed at politically active audiences.

Substack Subscribers: 752K

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3. Heather Cox Richardson

Heather Cox Richardson is an American historian and professor known for her insightful analysis of contemporary American politics through a historical lens. She has authored several award-winning books covering topics from the Civil War to modern political dynamics, emphasizing the importance of democracy. Her social media presence includes engaging discussions on political events, historical context, and the implications of current policies, often encouraging public discourse and awareness.

Substack Subscribers: 2.6M

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2. Sarah Longwell | The Bulwark

Sarah Longwell is the founder and publisher of The Bulwark, a platform focused on political commentary and analysis. She hosts The Focus Group Podcast, where she discusses current political events and engages with various guests. Longwell is known for her critical stance on Donald Trump and the Republican Party, often highlighting issues of corruption and governance. Her social media presence reflects a commitment to political discourse and advocacy for democratic values.

Substack Subscribers: 833K

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1. Emily Yoffe and Joe Nocera | The Free Press

Emily Yoffe and Joe Nocera are among the prominent journalists contributing to The Free Press, a media platform dedicated to independent, long-form journalism and free speech. Yoffe, known for her in-depth reporting on complex social issues, and Nocera, a veteran business and political columnist, bring sharp insight and thoughtful analysis to the platform. Founded by Bari Weiss, The Free Press emphasizes storytelling that challenges mainstream narratives and prioritizes intellectual diversity. With a growing audience and a focus on cultural, political, and societal issues, the platform has positioned itself as a leading voice in the movement for honest, unfiltered reporting in the digital age.

Substack Subscribers: 1.25M

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