Who is Scott Presler? Scott Presler is a dynamic figure in American conservative activism. Born in the late '80s, he has made waves with his grassroots organizing, voter registration drives, and community clean-up efforts. Raised in a military family, Presler's journey began in Florida and Virginia, leading him to earn a degree in criminal justice from George Mason University. Known for his involvement with the Republican Party and the "Stop the Steal" movement, Presler has also founded Early Vote Action, a nonprofit encouraging early voting among Trump supporters. With over 1.8 million followers on social media, his influence continues to grow.
Key Takeaways:
- Scott Presler, a conservative activist, began his journey with a disciplined upbringing and a degree in criminal justice. He's known for grassroots activism, social media engagement, and controversial movements, drawing both support and criticism.
- With a background in conservative activism, Scott Presler has made waves through grassroots efforts, social media presence, and controversial movements. His work has garnered recognition and support from prominent figures, while also facing financial backing and past controversies.
Early Life and Education
Scott Presler's journey into conservative activism began with a solid foundation in his early life and education.
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Early Life and Education: Born to a United States Navy captain, Scott Presler grew up in Florida and Fairfax County, Virginia. This upbringing instilled a sense of discipline and patriotism in him.
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College Degree: He earned a degree in criminal justice from George Mason University, equipping him with knowledge and skills that would later aid his activism.
Political Beginnings
Presler's initial foray into politics set the stage for his future endeavors.
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Political Involvement: In 2015 and 2016, Presler worked as a regional field director for the Republican Party of Virginia, actively supporting Donald Trump's presidential campaign.
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Gays for Trump: Co-founding Gays for Trump, Presler aimed to promote conservative values within the LGBTQ+ community, serving as its chairman in 2017.
Controversial Movements
Presler's involvement in various controversial movements has garnered significant attention.
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March Against Sharia: In 2017, he coordinated "March Against Sharia" events with ACT for America, an anti-Muslim advocacy group, drawing criticism for attracting radical right-wing groups.
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Stop the Steal Movement: Presler played a prominent role in the "Stop the Steal" movement, challenging Joe Biden's 2020 election victory and leading demonstrations in Pennsylvania and Georgia.
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Capitol Insurrection: Present outside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, Presler described the event as "the largest civil rights protest in US history," despite widespread condemnation of the violence.
Grassroots Activism
Presler's grassroots activism has been a cornerstone of his political career.
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Conservative Activism: Known for organizing volunteer trash cleanups and voter registration drives, Presler often criticizes Democratic leaders for allegedly neglecting veterans in favor of foreign nationals.
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Early Vote Action: He founded Early Vote Action, a nonprofit encouraging early voting among Trump supporters, particularly active in Pennsylvania.
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Pennsylvania Outreach: Moving to Pennsylvania in 2021, Presler aimed to help Republicans win the state, connecting with Amish voters and emphasizing local issues.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Presler's online presence and public engagement have amplified his influence.
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Social Media Presence: With over 1.8 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), Presler frequently updates his audience on voter registration efforts.
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Voter Registration Drives: Conducting drives at gun shows, county fairs, and American Legion posts, Presler's motto is "to meet people where they are."
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Pennsylvania Swing Counties: Focusing on key swing counties, Presler has reported significant increases in voter registrations among groups like the Amish, truck drivers, and gun owners.
Community and Issue-Based Outreach
Presler's outreach efforts often focus on specific communities and issues.
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Amish Outreach: Emphasizing issues like raw milk, dairy farming, school choice, and religious freedom, Presler has made significant inroads with the Amish community in Pennsylvania.
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Gun Rights Advocacy: An advocate for gun rights, Presler supports policies like Florida’s "Don’t Say Gay" law, aligning with conservative values.
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LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Despite being openly gay, Presler champions conservative causes within the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting his involvement with Gays for Trump.
Training and Events
Presler's efforts to train activists and participate in events have furthered his cause.
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Training Activists: Claiming to have trained over 10,000 activists in 30 states, Presler focuses on grassroots organizing, canvassing, and alternative voting methods.
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Minnesota Event: In 2023, Presler was scheduled to speak at a controversial event in Minnesota hosted by the Benton County Republican Party.
Recognition and Support
Presler has received notable endorsements and support from prominent figures.
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RNC Controversy: Initially considered for a role with the Republican National Committee, Presler was later denied due to past controversies.
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Lara Trump’s Endorsement: Lara Trump publicly endorsed Presler, praising his work in voter outreach and ballot harvesting.
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Elon Musk’s Support: Elon Musk donated $1 million to Presler’s PAC, Early Vote Action, significantly boosting its fundraising efforts.
Financial Backing
Presler's financial backing has been crucial to his activism.
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Federal Elections Records: As of June 2024, Early Vote Action had raised less than $350,000, with significant contributions from Fight Like a Flynn PAC and Margaret Topper.
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Margaret Topper’s Donation: Topper’s $20,000 donation highlights her support for candidates questioning the 2020 election results, underscoring Presler’s role in promoting election integrity conspiracy theories.
Demonstrations and Social Media
Presler's demonstrations and social media activities have been pivotal in his activism.
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Stop the Steal Demonstration: In November 2020, Presler led a two-day "Stop the Steal" demonstration at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, attended by around 100 Trump supporters.
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Social Media Narrative: Presler extensively documents his voter registration efforts on social media, often presenting a charismatic presence that garners significant attention.
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Curated Social Media Presence: While his online narrative appears influential, it remains unclear whether it accurately represents his actual impact on voter registration and election outcomes.
Community Engagement
Presler's community engagement extends beyond voter registration.
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Gun Show Appearances: Frequently appearing at gun shows, Presler connects with potential voters, engaging diverse groups crucial to his voter registration efforts.
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Community Clean-Up Initiatives: Involved in community clean-up initiatives, Presler's commitment to service underscores his broader role as a conservative activist.
Local Issues and Recognition
Presler's focus on local issues and recognition from prominent figures have bolstered his influence.
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Local Issues Focus: Emphasizing issues like raw milk and dairy farming, Presler has connected with traditionally Democratic-leaning groups like the Amish.
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Trump’s Support: Donald Trump has publicly praised Presler for his efforts in Pennsylvania, highlighting his significance in mobilizing Trump’s voter base.
Scott Presler's Impact on Conservative Politics
Scott Presler's journey in conservative activism has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days with the Republican Party of Virginia to his significant role in the "Stop the Steal" movement, Presler has consistently made headlines. His efforts in voter registration, particularly in Pennsylvania, have been pivotal for the Republican Party. With endorsements from high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Lara Trump, Presler's influence continues to grow. His unique approach, including outreach to the Amish and appearances at gun shows, showcases his dedication to grassroots organizing. Despite controversies, Presler remains a key player in conservative circles, driving voter engagement and shaping Republican strategies. His work with Early Vote Action and community clean-up initiatives further highlight his commitment to his cause. Scott Presler's impact on American politics is undeniable, making him a significant figure in the conservative movement.
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