At The Blue Deal, we see firsthand how small things—like political buttons—can have a big impact on campaigns. Whether it’s a classic “I Like Ike” button from the 1950s or a modern-day slogan like “Vote Blue No Matter Who,” political buttons have long been a symbol of activism, identity, and support.
But why have they stood the test of time? In a world dominated by digital ads, viral tweets, and social media campaigns, you’d think something as simple as a pin-back button would be outdated. Yet, every election cycle, we see an explosion in demand for political buttons.
So, let’s take a trip through the history of political buttons and explore why they’re still one of the most popular campaign tools today.
Political buttons date back to the first U.S. presidential elections—though they didn’t look quite like the colorful, pin-back versions we have today.
It wasn’t until much later—the late 1800s—that the modern campaign button as we know it truly emerged.
The pin-back button—the kind we all know and love—was officially patented in 1896 by the Whitehead & Hoag Company. The timing couldn’t have been better.
That same year, William McKinley ran for president against William Jennings Bryan, and his campaign embraced this new invention. McKinley’s team mass-produced thousands of buttons featuring his portrait, slogans, and patriotic imagery.
And it worked.
The button became a staple of his campaign, and McKinley won the election. From then on, no serious campaign would run without custom buttons.
Since McKinley’s 1896 campaign, political buttons have played a role in every major U.S. election. Some of the most famous designs have become collectors’ items today:
Political buttons aren’t just about campaigns, though. They’ve also been key symbols in social movements:
Even in the digital age, political buttons remain a staple of campaigns. They’re affordable, easy to distribute, and turn supporters into walking billboards, sparking conversations in everyday places. More than just promotional tools, buttons help build a sense of community among supporters, reinforcing solidarity at rallies and beyond. Plus, they carry a nostalgic appeal—many people collect them as keepsakes or special edition memorabilia. With their low cost and high impact, political buttons continue to be a powerful, tangible way to show support and spread a message.
At The Blue Deal, we know that political buttons are more than just accessories—they’re a key part of a winning campaign strategy.
That’s why we specialize in union-printed, high-quality political buttons that make an impact. Whether you’re looking for:
We’ve got you covered.
And of course, every single button we produce is union-made, ensuring that your campaign aligns with pro-worker values.
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