The introductory chapter outlines an infrastructure-based politicized approach to understanding local social media publics, emphasizing their role in contemporary local political dynamics. The chapter establishes the theoretical groundwork by highlighting key transformations brought by social media, such as increased citizen participation, the emergence of interconnected personal publics, and the blurred lines between private and public discourse. We propose an infrastructural framework drawing on Communication Infrastructure Theory, conceptualizing local digital publics as networks comprising micro-level (individual) and meso-level (institutional or organized group) storytelling agents. This approach allows for a nuanced analysis of how local narratives circulate, shape community identity, and potentially impact broader political attitudes. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the increasing nationalization and politicization of local politics, arguing that national political strategies play an energizing role within local social media spheres. By contextualizing this theoretical framework within Hungary’s local government structure and political environment, we justify the choice of Hungary as a case study based on its clearly delineated municipal governance, substantial variation among municipalities in terms of population and local political dynamics, and the prominent role of Facebook in local political communication.