After Zohran Mamdani's recent triumph in New York's Democratic mayoral primary, an Instagram post congratulating him received a like from an unexpected source: former Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas. However, Jackson Lee passed away last July, sparking discussions about the eerie phenomenon of social media activity from deceased politicians.

This incident was highlighted by the anonymous account "Dear White Staffers," which posted a screenshot showing the late Texas representative's account engaging with the congratulatory post for Mamdani. But Jackson Lee isn't the only one; other late lawmakers seem to be joining the digital afterlife trend.

Rep. Sylvester Turner, who briefly held Lee’s seat before his own death in March 2025, mystifyingly changed his profile picture on the social platform X, and even posted a celebratory message on MLB Opening Day. The post, marked by X acknowledging Turner's death, prompted bewildered and grim reactions from the community.

The late Virginia Democrat, Rep. Gerry Connolly, also made headlines posthumously. His social media accounts, still active, recently promoted early voting for James Walkinshaw, his endorsed successor. This led to some scrutiny and the removal of the post, but not before stirring up considerable attention and confusion.

The management of these accounts has often been attributed to family members or remaining staff. For instance, Connolly's family has consented to posts made on his behalf, and Turner's account is managed by his family, with recent posts promoting community events he supported.

The question of how to handle the social media legacy of politicians is increasingly significant. Zack Brown, a former communications director for Rep. Don Young, highlighted the lack of procedural guidance for handling social media accounts of deceased lawmakers. Despite meticulous physical record-keeping, the digital aspects are largely overlooked, posing security risks and challenges in communication.

This ongoing saga of posthumous social media activity highlights not only the complexities of digital legacies but also the evolving nature of how we remember and celebrate public figures after their passing. As technology continues to weave into every aspect of life and death, the lines between presence and absence grow increasingly blurred, leaving the public and officials navigating uncharted waters.