carpetbagging

Carpetbagging is exploiting a place or situation where one has no genuine roots or stake.

The term comes from Northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War, carrying their belongings in carpet bags, to profit from Reconstruction.

Now it often describes politicians who run for office in districts where they don't truly live: She accused her opponent of carpetbagging into the district just to win a seat.

The word implies opportunism and lack of authentic connection.