Vulnerable House Democrat selling Zyn-inspired campaign merchandise

A House Democrat seeking reelection is selling Zyn-inspired campaign merchandise, leaning into an association with the explosively popular nicotine pouches that have devotees among the Trump administration.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) is selling a $50 “ GLUE-ZYN-KAMP ” storage tin on her office campaign website, mimicking the Zyn pouches’ ubiquitous circular container. The Democrat is among the party’s most vulnerable incumbents, running in a district President Trump carried three times.

Zyn’s parent company, Philip Morris International, did not return a request for comment.

Gluesenkamp Perez has crafted a reputation as an independent-minded Democrat, appealing to working class voters. But her race against Washington state Sen. John Braun is a toss-up, with the Republican holding a 2-point edge, according to the Cook Partisan Voting Index.

The GOP considers her seat in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District to be one of its best pickup chances this fall, potentially helping Republicans retain their control of the House.

Zyn pouches contain nicotine but not tobacco. Fans of the pouches say they offer the benefits of nicotine — like alertness and calm — in a discreet package without the known harm of cigarettes.

They have surged in popularity primarily among members of Generation Z, promoted by self-appointed “ Zynfluencers .” But the pouches have also gained a foothold among those in the orbit of Trump’s White House, like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson helped popularize the brand among conservatives before later turning against it and launching his own nicotine pouch product , Alp.

Zyn gained marketing authorization in 2025 when Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials said the products can help adults cut back on smoking or switch away from cigarettes completely. Nicotine pouches are not FDA-approved, and the agency has said there is no safe tobacco product.