Riley Gaines opens up on possibly running for office as she fights against Dems letting males in girls’ sports

Riley Gaines: A Passionate Advocate for Fairness in Women’s Sports

Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer turned conservative activist, has become a prominent voice in the debate over trans athletes participating in women’s sports, advocating for the exclusion of trans athletes from female competitions. Her journey from the swimming pool to the political arena is a testament to her dedication to what she believes is fair and just. Gaines, who majored in health sciences at the University of Kentucky, initially planned a career in dentistry but found herself drawn to activism after her experiences as a college athlete. She has since become a vocal advocate for policies that restrict trans athletes from competing in women’s sports, arguing that it is essential to protect the integrity of female athletics.

Gaines’ activism has led her to work closely with Republican lawmakers and conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump. Her efforts have already had a tangible impact: a law named after her, “The Riley Gaines Act,” was recently passed in the Georgia House of Representatives, aiming to ban trans athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports in the state. Beyond Georgia, Gaines has traveled the country, rallying support for similar legislation, including a recent trip to Minnesota where she advocated for a state bill that, unfortunately, failed to pass. Despite these setbacks, her determination remains unwavering, and she has vowed to continue fighting for what she believes is right.

A Potential Path to Politics: Riley Gaines Considers a Future in Public Office

While Riley Gaines has not yet officially announced a political campaign, she has not ruled out the possibility of running for public office in the future. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, she expressed her passion for the “America-first agenda” and her desire to influence policy on issues beyond women’s sports. Gaines admitted that the idea of running for office was not something she had initially envisioned for herself, saying, “It’s never what I saw myself doing,” but she is now open to the possibility. She described her potential political aspirations as a natural extension of her activism, stating, “I would say the whole America-first agenda. I am just so passionate, I care so deeply, and I love it, so we’ll see.”

Gaines also shared her admiration for Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate who is now a prominent conservative voice. She praised Gabbard for her unwavering commitment to her values and her unapologetic stance on issues she believes are right. Gaines sees Gabbard as a role model for her own potential political career, saying, “She’s so fierce, and she is so strong, and what you see is what you get.” This admiration for Gabbard reflects Gaines’ own desire to stand up for her beliefs, even in the face of opposition.

The Issue That Shifted the 2024 Election Landscape

The debate over trans athletes in women’s sports has become a defining issue in American politics, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Riley Gaines has been at the forefront of this movement, helping to galvanize support for Republican candidates who oppose trans inclusion in female sports. Her efforts have resonated with many conservatives who see this issue as part of a broader cultural battle over gender, identity, and fairness. The issue has also been a rallying cry for the Republican Party, with many candidates using it to mobilize their base and criticize Democrats for their stance on the matter.

The recent Senate vote on the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act” further highlighted the political divide on this issue. Every Senate Democrat voted against the bill, which sought to ban trans athletes from competing in women’s sports at the federal level. This outcome has only intensified the debate, with Gaines and other conservatives vowing to hold Democrats accountable at the polls. In response to the Senate vote, Gaines took to social media to call out Democratic senators, particularly singling out Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, whom she accused of failing to protect women’s sports. Her message was clear: Democrats who support trans inclusion in female sports will face consequences in the 2026 midterms.

A Broader Conservative Agenda: Gaines Beyond Women’s Sports

While Riley Gaines’ activism is most closely associated with the issue of women’s sports, her conservatism extends to a range of topics, including immigration, border security, U.S. relations with Ukraine, and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Her stance on these issues aligns with that of former President Donald Trump and the broader Republican mainstream, and she has been vocal about her support for Trump’s policies. Gaines’ engagement with these topics is not limited to public speaking; she has also been active on social media, where she has consistently articulated her views over the years.

Gaines’ broader conservative vision reflects her belief in an “America-first agenda,” which she sees as encompassing not just sports but also national security, foreign policy, and cultural issues. Her ability to connect with conservative voters on multiple fronts has made her a rising star in the Republican Party, and her influence is likely to grow in the coming years. Whether she decides to run for office or continues her work as an activist, Riley Gaines is poised to remain a significant figure in the conservative movement.

The 2026 Midterms: Gaines’ Focus on Unseating Democrats

For now, Riley Gaines’ primary focus is on the 2026 midterm elections, where she plans to target Democratic senators who voted against the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.” Following the Senate vote, she took to social media to rally her supporters, vowing to make it her mission to unseat Democratic senators who she believes are enabling the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports. Gaines has also claimed that some Democratic senators privately oppose trans inclusion but are reluctant to take a public stance due to political pressure. She accuses these lawmakers of hiding behind “excuses” and failing to stand up for what is right.

Gaines’ efforts to unseat these Democrats have already gained traction, with some prominent Republican figures expressing confidence in her ability to make a difference. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), a key ally of Gaines in her advocacy work, has praised her for her determination and effectiveness. Blackburn, who has proposed several pieces of legislation aimed at barring trans athletes from women’s sports, has no doubt that Gaines can achieve her goals, whether through activism or a future political campaign. With her growing influence and the support of high-profile Republicans, Gaines is well-positioned to play a significant role in the 2026 midterms.

The Future of Riley Gaines: A Political Force to Be Reckoned With

Whether Riley Gaines decides to run for office or remains a prominent activist, her influence on the conservative movement is undeniable. Her passion for issues like women’s sports, immigration, and national security has made her a respected voice among Republicans, and her ability to connect with voters on a personal level has endeared her to many. Gaines’ journey from the swimming pool to the political arena is a testament to her dedication to her beliefs and her willingness to take a stand, even in the face of adversity.

As the 2026 midterms approach, all eyes will be on Riley Gaines to see how she leverages her influence to shape the political landscape. If she decides to seek public office, she will likely face a tough campaign, but her confidence and determination suggest that she is ready for the challenge. For now, she remains focused on her mission to protect women’s sports and hold Democrats accountable for their stance on trans inclusion. One thing is certain: Riley Gaines is a force to be reckoned with, and her impact on American politics is only just beginning.