Out of all the politicians venturing into podcasting, Sen. Ted Cruz stands as the clear leader with his show ‘Verdict with Ted Cruz’ boasting nearly 1.5 million downloads in July.
The podcast gained immense popularity, generating substantial ad revenue, although it faced a complaint regarding payment distribution that was later dismissed.
Following Cruz, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ‘This is Gavin Newsom’ and Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s ‘Hold These Truths’ were notable contenders, with Cruz strategically outperforming them both and celebrating his success on social media.
Amidst the buzz online, viewers had mixed reactions to the politicians’ podcasts, with Cruz’s conservative perspective resonating more strongly.
While Cruz’s podcast soared to #36 on Apple charts, Newsom’s ranking at #58 presented an interesting contrast between the two politicians’ journey in the podcasting world.
Despite Cruz’s long-standing presence since 2020, Newsom’s swift rise since March is remarkable, showcasing the evolving landscape of political podcasting.
With over 600 episodes, Cruz’s ‘Verdict’ continues to engage listeners on current affairs and political discussions, significantly impacting the media landscape.
Other politicians’ attempts in podcasting have faced challenges, notably trailing behind Cruz, Newsom, and Crenshaw by a substantial margin.
Notably, Rep. Andy Beshear and Rep. Tim Burchett have made efforts in podcasting, although their audience size pales in comparison to the leading political podcasts.