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Gomez pushes for better support for content creators and connects with gaming and digital influencers to reach young Americans

LOS ANGELES, CA — Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) today hosted a virtual roundtable with digital creators, influencers, and leaders in the gaming and anime space to discuss the growing role of the creator economy in shaping culture, driving innovation, and empowering young people. The conversation focused on financial security for creators, digital entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities through gaming to reach out to people aged 18–24. Gomez is also pushing the Small Business Administration (SBA) to better support content creators through better access to loans, tax resources, and protections for intellectual property.

Participants included creators and influencers like Kenny Williams Jr., Angelina Darrisaw, David Echeverria, Ilan Shapiro, Ryan Johnson, John Cash, DJ Squid, and Bethany Simpson — representing millions of followers across platforms.

“Content creators aren’t just building audiences — they’re building businesses, creating jobs, and driving a $250 billion economy,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “We need small business programs that match that reality — not policies that make it harder for entrepreneurs to succeed.”

“Representative Gomez isn’t just showing up — he’s leading the way,” said Michael Ceraso, an organizer and advocate with Winning Margins who moderated and invited creators to the event. “At a time when most politicians are scrambling to catch up with the digital world, Rep. Gomez is already building real partnerships with creators and pushing for the federal support they deserve. He understands that creators are small business owners, educators, and cultural leaders — and he’s fighting to make sure policy reflects that. This gathering wouldn’t have happened without his vision and commitment.”

Ryan Johnson — founder and CEO of Cxmmunity Media, a company focused on eSports and video game career development for students of color — spoke about empowering creators, especially students at HBCUs. Rep. Gomez reflected on how platforms like Twitch and YouTube are shaping public opinion and stressed the importance of Democrats engaging directly with digital communities and young Americans.

“Our company's claim to fame is that we started the nation's first eSports and video game league for HBCUs,” said Ryan Johnson, Founder and CEO of Cxmmunity Media. “We’ve been trying to find more strategic ways to not only tell stories but help and empower these creators to use their voices.”

Rep. Jimmy Gomez represents LA, a global hub for the digital creator economy. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, he has been vocal about modernizing the tax code and small business support systems to meet the needs of today’s entrepreneurs. Today’s discussion builds on Rep. Gomez’s January listening session with leading social media influencers, held just days before a potential TikTok ban.

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