Riley Gaines Considers Political Career Amid Fight to Protect Women’s Sports

Riley Gaines, the former NCAA swimmer turned conservative activist, is hinting at an unexpected new direction: a potential run for public office. Known for her fierce advocacy for fairness in women’s sports, Gaines is turning heads with her willingness to take on Democrats who support trans inclusion in girls' and women’s athletics.

Her activism reached a new level of intensity after Monday night, when every Senate Democrat voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. Gaines didn’t hold back, vowing to unseat those who, in her words, have "failed to protect female athletes." That’s quite the political mic drop, especially considering her grassroots campaigning earlier this week in Minnesota to lobby for similar legislation—an effort that also fell short in the state’s House of Representatives.

It seems Gaines has no intention of letting this issue fade quietly. After aligning with former President Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign, Gaines is now setting her sights on influencing the 2026 midterms. And while she's focused on rallying support against the Democratic National Committee, she’s leaving the door open for her own political aspirations. "It’s never what I saw myself doing," Gaines admitted in an exclusive interview, "but I care so deeply about these issues." Her blend of humor and seriousness shone through as she quipped that running for office might require "a bit of clinical insanity."

When asked who inspires her, Gaines pointed to former Democratic congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, praising her as "fierce" and unafraid to stand firm in her values. "We need more of that," Gaines said, lamenting the lack of authenticity in today’s political sphere.

Gaines’ political resume is already robust for someone so new to the field. Last week, the Georgia House of Representatives passed the Riley Gaines Act, a bill named in her honor that aims to ban trans participation in women’s sports statewide. She’s also the host of the popular "Gaines for Girls" podcast and even led a pre-race prayer at NASCAR’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix in Texas. Clearly, she’s no stranger to the spotlight—or to using it as a platform for her beliefs.

Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, a close ally, has expressed full confidence in Gaines’ abilities, noting her transition from aspiring dentist to political powerhouse. "I think Riley has the ability to pursue whatever she wants," Blackburn said. That’s high praise from someone who’s co-sponsored multiple legislative efforts alongside Gaines to protect women’s sports.

But while Gaines is building a reputation as a rising conservative voice, she’s also making enemies. After the Senate vote, she took to social media to call out Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, asking pointedly, "Have you no shame?" She’s made it her mission to hold accountable those who she says privately agree with her stance but publicly vote the other way. Gaines’ blunt approach signals that she’s not just playing political games—she’s aiming to change them.

For now, her focus remains on the fight to preserve women’s sports, but Gaines’ growing influence suggests she might not stop there. Whether or not she eventually launches a political campaign, one thing is clear: Riley Gaines isn’t backing down anytime soon.