Hip Hop Caucus Makes Final 2026 Midterm Push

Hip Hop Caucus is pressing young voters to use their cultural influence in the final days before the November 3 midterm elections.

The group’s president and CEO, Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., told The Washington Informer, “What I want this generation to understand is that this is your fight more than ever.”

The nonpartisan Respect My Vote campaign marked its 18th anniversary on July 28. In its 2026 announcement, the group set goals of reaching 20 million people, bringing 500,000 voters to the polls and making 4.5 million voter contacts. It also aimed for 175,000 combined online voter registrations, pledges and registration checks. Those targets covered work through media, partnerships, events, training and digital outreach. The campaign focuses on Gen Z and Millennial voters.

The group is also part of a wider push for voter education. Word In Black’s “Know Before You Vote” event page now offers a replay and lists Hip Hop Caucus digital and production associate director JaRel Clay among its panelists. The discussion covered voter engagement, key issues and the power of the Black vote. Word In Black head of content Joseph Williams served as moderator.

The link between artists and voter education has been part of the group’s work for years. In 2008, T.I. joined its voter registration effort, with a launch planned at Washington, D.C.’s 9:30 Club. The free event was set to bring celebrities and the public together for a discussion about young people taking part in civic life. Its rollout also included DJ Green Lantern and shirts from T.I.’s AKOO clothing line.

By 2012, 2 Chainz had become a Respect My Vote spokesman. The message included voting rights for people with felony records. Organizers also sought new registrations and participation from adults ages 18 to 40. His own experience was central to the message: the rapper said learning he could vote mattered to him after his felony conviction. Yearwood said the group chose 2 Chainz because he could speak to that audience in an authentic way.

Now, Yearwood sees social media giving students and celebrities a way to reach followers. He said the group would keep organizing after Election Day.