Riley Gaines Discusses Political Aspirations Amid Ongoing Battle for Women’s Sports

EXCLUSIVE: Riley Gaines has emerged as a prominent advocate for fairness in women’s sports, raising questions about a possible run for office as she continues to fight against Democratic policies that permit trans athletes to compete against female athletes.

The former NCAA swimmer and conservative activist has vowed to challenge any Democrat supporting the inclusion of trans athletes in girls’ and women’s sports. This commitment intensified following a decisive Senate vote where all 45 Democrat senators opposed the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.” Their collective stance has prompted Gaines to set her sights on the 2026 midterms, as she looks to hold these politicians accountable.

Rallying support in Minnesota, Gaines focused on advocating for a state bill designed to protect female athletes from trans inclusion. Unfortunately for her supporters, that bill also faltered in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Gaines has utilized growing national sentiment against trans inclusion to bolster support for Republican candidates. Her activism has garnered national attention, paving the way for her potential future in politics.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Gaines revealed that she is not dismissing the idea of pursuing a political career in the future.

“It’s never what I saw myself doing,” said Gaines, a health sciences graduate from the University of Kentucky who originally aimed to become a dentist. “But with this issue and more, including the whole America-first agenda, I am incredibly passionate about it. I could see myself influencing policy in that way in the future.”

When it comes to role models, Gaines pointed to Tulsi Gabbard, former Director of National Intelligence, as someone she admires.

“She is fierce and strong, and what you see is what you get,” Gaines explained. “Her dedication to what she believes is true and moral is inspiring. Our political landscape needs more individuals like her.”

Gaines has already built a notable political profile through her activism focused on protecting women’s sports. Recently, a bill bearing her name, the “Riley Gaines Act,” successfully passed in the Georgia House of Representatives, aiming to prohibit trans athletes from competing in women’s sports across the state.

As she campaigns for Republicans in the 2024 elections, Gaines has gained traction as a conservative counterculture figure, hosting the popular “Gaines for Girls” podcast on OutKick.

This past week, she also took part in a pre-race prayer at the NASCAR Cup Series’ EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

If Gaines decides to launch her own political campaign, she already has support from influential Republican figures.

Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee has been a close ally in the fight to maintain fair competition in women’s sports. As a co-sponsor of the legislation aimed at protecting women and girls, Blackburn has confidence in Gaines’ potential political aspirations.

“Riley has the ability to pursue whatever she wants,” Blackburn stated. “Her journey has taken fascinating turns, and I admire the work she’s doing to advocate for women and girls.”

Gaines has consistently voiced her opinions on issues beyond women’s sports, aligning herself with mainstream Republican views on topics like immigration, border security, and reducing the impact of DEI initiatives. Her consistent social media presence further solidifies her political stance.

For now, Gaines is focused on opposing Democrats who have voted to maintain trans inclusion in women’s sports. Following the recent Senate vote, she called out those Democrats, rallying her supporters to take action.

Gaines specifically targeted Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia, urging her followers to remember his vote against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.

“You have a daughter. Do you have no shame? Georgians are paying attention. I will work to remove you from your senate seat in 2026,” she stated in a social media post highlighting the names of every Democrat opposing the bill.

According to Gaines, she anticipates backing from elected Republican officials and former President Trump as she aims to unseat these senators.

“In private conversations with several Democratic senators, some have admitted that it is absurd to allow males into women’s sports and wouldn’t want it for their daughters. Yet, they make excuses to justify their actions,” Gaines noted.

This confrontation with Democratic senators has positioned Gaines as a significant adversary, suggesting that she may remain a thorn in their sides well into the future.

Lastly, it is clear that Riley Gaines is poised to make a substantial impact, whether through continued advocacy for women’s sports or potentially stepping onto the political stage herself. Her commitment to fairness and activism resonates deeply in the current landscape, ensuring she remains a relevant voice in the ongoing debate surrounding female athletics.