Former American swimmer, Riley Gaines, expressed her support for Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, during the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries. She announced her intention to collaborate with the Sunshine State governor on his campaign. Gaines, who competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and has since become an outspoken supporter of reserving women’s sports for biological women, shared her endorsement during an interview on Newsmax in arguing that supporting DeSantis is “the right decision for women.”
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“She emphasized the importance of supporting DeSantis, stating, “His leadership has been crucial to combating the radical ideology that is driving this situation, and to bringing visibility to cultural issues that affect the disintegration of families, faith and freedoms,” to presenter Eric Bolling.
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“He courageously stood up to the political establishment, influential corporations and the media, achieving important victories, demonstrated by his success in Florida,” Gaines added. The former swimmer, who is now an activist, demonstrated that she is prepared for possible backlash from former President Donald Trump’s supporters, who may feel disappointed that she chose to support DeSantis. “I recognize the threat our country is facing and understand the importance of taking a stance on it,” Gaines explained. “I’m aware of how this will impact the next generation if someone doesn’t take this step, especially someone young like me.”
“While I may not be completely ready, I am prepared. I have the leadership, the understanding, and the moral conviction to say that supporting Governor DeSantis is the right decision. It’s what I believe is right for me, for women, and for all Americans”, he concluded. Gaines and South Carolina State Representative Ashley Trantham joined DeSantis in Greenville, SC., to highlight steps the governor has taken to ban transgender people from participating in women’s sports competitions.
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