The researchers who study this say the targets are consistently women, people of color and officials who are new to office.
The goal is not to win an argument. It is to change what the official does: fewer hard votes, fewer public appearances, no re-election bid.
Common tactics
- Altered or AI-made images.
- Mass emails and newsletters aimed at residents.
- Repeated use of public comment to demean rather than inform.
- Multiple online names so a pattern is harder to trace.
- Mixing a few true facts with false claims.
Warning signs of escalation
- Fixation on one person.
- Showing up at places the target has not announced.
- Contacting supporters and hosts.
- Moving from online posts to physical presence.
A reason to compare notes
Local officials tell me they are mostly on their own. I have talked with political consultants who had never seen this volume of attacks in a local race. That is part of why I am building a place where officials can compare notes.