Haley Metzger and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. Photo: Courtesy of Haley Metzger
Despite her @MayorHaleyhandle on Instagram, Haley Metzger is not a real mayor.
Yes, but: Her Instagram reach exceeds that of Denver's actual mayor.
Why it matters: Metzger, 31, is using her platform to educate her more than 49,000 followers — many of whom shun traditional news media — about key Colorado races on the June 30 primary ballot.
State of play: She filmed interviews with both Democratic candidates for governor, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser, as well as AG candidate Michael Dougherty.
Unlike traditional journalists, Metzger doesn't present herself as neutral. She openly identifies as a Democrat and frequently shares her views alongside interviews with candidates.
For instance, Weiser discussed his support for legislation that would make it easier for workers to form labor unions, one of the legislature's most debated proposals.
