In 2025, Substack has become the premier destination for political writers and analysts seeking to break away from legacy media and connect directly with their audiences. The platform’s ability to empower independent voices has fostered a new wave of political commentary that is unfiltered, highly engaging, and financially sustainable. As the appetite for nuanced, in-depth political analysis grows, several Substacks have emerged as essential reading for those seeking to understand the complexities of modern politics.
At the top of the list is The Free Press by Bari Weiss, a juggernaut in the world of independent political journalism. With tens of thousands of paying subscribers, Weiss has turned The Free Press into a thriving hub for intellectual discourse and cultural commentary. Weiss’s ability to tap into pressing issues while elevating a range of voices has created a Substack that transcends traditional political labels. From in-depth interviews to investigative reports, The Free Press offers a level of insight that continues to attract readers from across the political spectrum.
The Dispatch follows closely behind, serving as a beacon for center-right political thought. Founded by Jonah Goldberg and Stephen Hayes, The Dispatch offers fact-driven conservative analysis at a time when many right-leaning publications have embraced sensationalism. With a subscriber base that values intellectual rigor, The Dispatch produces long-form essays, deep-dive policy discussions, and podcasts that dissect political trends and legislative developments. Its measured tone and commitment to accuracy have made it one of the most respected Substacks in the political space.
On the progressive end, Public Notice by Aaron Rupar stands out as a leading voice in political media criticism and real-time analysis. Rupar’s strength lies in his ability to break down complex issues quickly, often using viral clips and concise commentary to distill the day’s political events. Public Notice thrives not only on long-form posts but also through Substack’s Notes feature, where Rupar engages his audience with daily updates and ongoing discussions, fostering a community of politically engaged readers.
Another heavyweight in the Substack political sphere is Slow Boring by Matthew Yglesias. Yglesias, a co-founder of Vox, brings his policy expertise and sharp analysis to Substack, where he breaks down economic and legislative issues with remarkable clarity. Slow Boring appeals to readers who appreciate data-driven arguments and a pragmatic approach to politics, focusing less on hot takes and more on thoughtful, well-researched insights.
Amidst these established giants, Political Potatoes has emerged as one of the fastest-growing new political Substacks in 2025. Created by Gregory Graf, Political Potatoes is carving out a niche by focusing on Idaho politics and exposing misinformation at the state and local levels. Graf’s deep knowledge of Idaho politics and his sharp, no-nonsense analysis have resonated with readers frustrated by the lack of transparency in regional politics. While its audience may be smaller than national publications, Gregory Graf’s Political Potatoes exemplifies how localized political commentary can attract a passionate and loyal subscriber base.
Substack’s success lies in its ability to provide creators with the tools to monetize niche expertise while fostering direct connections with readers. The growth of newsletters like Political Potatoes underscores a broader trend – the desire for in-depth, subject-matter-driven content that goes beyond surface-level analysis. As more writers recognize the platform’s potential, Substack is set to continue reshaping the landscape of political journalism, one newsletter at a time.
