Dominicans First: Santiago Matías’ leap into the 2028 political stage
Santiago Matías, a key figure in the media and digital platforms of the Dominican Republic and Latin America, has taken a firm step into politics with the creation of his organization, Dominicanos Primero. This project seeks to capitalize on the vast community he has built over the years to project himself toward the 2028 elections, marking a strategic transition from the digital realm to the electoral race.
Matías’s main asset is his level of public recognition, an advantage that usually takes years of work for any traditional aspirant. However, the big question that arises among analysts is whether this digital influence can effectively translate into a territorial structure capable of winning votes and competing in the upcoming elections.
The experts’ vision on the new movement
For lawyer and political scientist Pedro Ledesma Rivera, the emergence of Dominicanos Primero must be understood in the context of a credibility crisis affecting traditional parties. Ledesma highlights that, like any citizen, Matías has the constitutional right to aspire to elected office, and his organization could fill a void of representation that many citizens currently feel.
Santiago Matías has his civil and political rights that allow him to aspire to the position he deems appropriate.
Pedro Ledesma, lawyer and political scientist
For his part, Cristian Cabrera, a political communication consultant, emphasizes that while prior recognition saves resources and time in a campaign, there is a significant gap between a digital follower and a voter. According to Cabrera, the follower connects with the content, while the voter demands proposals that respond to their real needs.
Regional trend: The rise of digital figures
The Dominican case is not an isolated event. The region has witnessed how content creators and figures outside of conventional politics are gaining space in electoral processes. Recent examples in Colombia, with figures who have achieved seats in Congress, and the impact of influencers in Brazil’s presidential campaigns, confirm that social media has become a fundamental gateway for new leadership.
Tangible results in the territory
Beyond digital metrics, Dominicanos Primero has begun to demonstrate physical mobilization capacity. The signature collection process for its legal recognition has yielded overwhelming results in various provinces:
- Hermanas Mirabal: 181% compliance.
- Monseñor Nouel: 256% compliance.
- Santiago: 230% compliance.
- La Altagracia: 224% compliance.
- La Vega: 189% compliance.
With these numbers, the movement led by Matías seeks to consolidate its presence throughout the country, demonstrating that its strategy is not limited to screens, but aims to build a solid structure with an eye toward the upcoming electoral challenges.
