In a striking display of advocacy, stars from various Real Housewives franchises made their way to Capitol Hill, capturing the attention of lawmakers with their campaign for HIV prevention.
Among the reality TV personalities present were NeNe Leakes and Phaedra Parks from the Atlanta series, Erika Jayne representing Beverly Hills, Luann de Lesseps from New York City, Melissa Gorga of New Jersey, Miami’s Marysol Patton, and Candiace Dillard Bassett from the Potomac series in the DC area.
Known for their vibrant and sometimes dramatic personas on television, the Housewives set aside their on-screen rivalries to unite for a common cause. They came together to champion the efforts of MISTR, a leading online provider of PrEP, an essential daily medication for preventing HIV. MISTR offers its services through virtual telehealth platforms, spearheaded by CEO Tristan Schukraft.
The event was orchestrated by Steve Clemons, a seasoned journalist and podcaster with a background as a political adviser, who ensured the message of prevention and awareness resonated in the halls of power.
Candiace Dillard Bassett, who boasts experience in the Obama White House before her reality TV career, emphasized the critical point that while the science to combat HIV exists, the solution transcends mere financial resources. Her insights were a poignant reminder of the need for comprehensive strategies beyond monetary contributions to end the epidemic.
Dillard Bassett, who worked in the Obama White House before kicking off her reality TV journey, including fame on Peacock’s Traitors, noted during the event that the science to end HIV already exists, but it can no longer be only ‘cured with money.’
The Housewives were also joined by members of both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate at Tuesday’s event.
Wisconsin Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin, America’s first openly gay senator, noted that HIV prevention and treatment is neither a Republican nor a Democrat issue, adding that ‘saving people from HIV is an American thing.’
Housewives cast members from various franchises listen to Wisconsin Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin speak
Senator Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, attends ‘Housewives on the Hill’ for HIV Prevention presented by MISTR on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC
Erika Jayne of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with fan Carly Eason
US Senator Cory Booker also spoke at Tuesday’s event, as did Democratic representatives April Delaney of Maryland and Frederica Wilson of Texas.
Booker told the crowd that ‘we are in a very dark time.’
But he went on to say that ‘here we have people standing up and saying, in a dark time, I’m going to shine my light brighter.’
Tuesday’s event was not the first trip to Capitol Hill for a Housewives cast member in 2026.
Angie Katsanevas, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star and founder of the iconic hair salon brand Lunatic Fringe, was the first franchise cast member in over 15 years to testify before Congress as an invited witness earlier this year.
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Congresswoman April McClain Delaney attends ‘Housewives on the Hill’ for HIV Prevention presented by MISTR on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC
A view of The Kennedy Caucus Room during ‘Housewives on the Hill’ for HIV Prevention presented by MISTR on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC
Erika Jayne of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills speaks as fellow Housewives look on
During the hearing, she recalled the viral ‘you do French Fries. I do franchise’ statement she made on the show, which went viral and ultimately led her to the Capitol Hill visit in January.
Testifying on behalf of the International Franchise Association before the House Small Business Committee that day, Katsanevas urged passage of the bipartisan American Franchise Act alongside her fellow witnesses.
