Blue Dog Democrat drops ‘Zyn’ from campaign nicotine pouch can
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez replaced campaign merchandise modeled on nicotine pouch packaging after the parent company reportedly asked her to stop using the word “Zyn.” The Washington Democrat had offered a puck-shaped storage tin labeled “GLUE-ZYN-KAMP” in early September before announcing the change Thursday.
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat from Washington, changed a piece of campaign merchandise inspired by the packaging of the nicotine pouch brand Zyn. The merchandise was a puck-shaped storage tin offered through her campaign’s storefront.
In early September, the tin was labeled “GLUE-ZYN-KAMP,” a name combining the lawmaker’s surname with the brand name. The Hill reported that the parent company of Zyn had asked Gluesenkamp Perez to stop using the word on the merchandise.
Gluesenkamp Perez announced Thursday that she had replaced the item’s original branding. The available report does not specify the replacement label, the company’s name, or whether the parent company took any formal legal action.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What prompted the parent company to ask the campaign to change the merchandise?
Did the campaign receive permission before using the brand name on the tin?
How did the change affect sales or public attention for the campaign merchandise?
What rules govern political campaigns’ use of commercial branding on promotional items?
Would the campaign have made the same change if the parent company had not objected?
YOUR QUESTION
Does this story leave you with another question?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026