A political hack refers to an individual, often within a political party, who engages in unethical or opportunistic practices to advance their career or influence elections. They may employ tactics such as dirty campaigning, media manipulation, or leveraging connections for political gain. Political hacks can shape the electoral landscape by affecting voter perception and targeting specific demographics. Their influence, however, can undermine democratic integrity by prioritizing personal agendas over substantive policy discussions and public service, contributing to political disillusionment.