The books are barely closed on this election year, but I’m already looking forward to 2022 mid-terms. Too soon? If you do Political VO you know why I’m already looking ahead. Lets look at the 2022 Political VO forecast. But first, a look back at the election that was:
Looking back at 2020
Looking back at 2020 the number that took my breath away is 14. 14 BILLION!! That’s what was spent on Political ads this past year. My microphone is still warm from all the work I did voicing spots. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats, plus the presidential contest, were decided in 2020. Only a few of those politicians were in danger of loosing, however, big money was spent defending or attacking those candidates. The big issues on American’s minds were the COVID19 Pandemic, followed by health care, the economy, racial unrest, and abortion. More money was spent this past election cycle than at any point in history, “by a lot”, according to The New York Times.
Who’s running in 2022?
All 435 House seats are up for re-election again, plus a different group of 35 Senators. Another reason the 2022 Political VO forecast is looking bright? 26 additional Governors will be up for re-election or face term limits next cycle. Also, a number of State Legislative races will be decided. All this adds up to huge potential for voice actors to make money.
House and Senate seats will be targeted
If a Democrat is in the Oval Office, then historically the G.O.P. picks up seats in the House and Senate. Ol’e Joe will need to defend his House majority if he wants to get any legislation passed up to the Senate. The Senate majority, while still being decided as of this writing, will need to be either gained or maintained. That means lots of potential Political Voice Over work no matter if you voice for the Democrats or the Republicans. Get ready to be busy again in about eighteen months.
Looking ahead to 2022
The 2020 election was held under extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. A producer I worked with was projecting a bad year financially because of restrictions on set work. He needn’t have worried. Just the other day he told me 2020 was his best year ever. With promise of a vaccine in place by 2022, I’m hoping he – and I – do even better next election cycle. See you in eighteen months.