In the lead-up to the 2025 elections, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has found herself amidst controversy while campaigning for fellow radical candidate Zohran Mamdani. In a recent tweet, Ocasio-Cortez directed criticism at conservative commentator Riley Gaines, challenging her well-known opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Ocasio-Cortez’s remark suggested that if Gaines had swum faster in college, she could have won against a male competitor, a statement that many view as outdated in today’s discourse.
Gaines responded to the tweet with a reminder of the shifting political landscape, where the far-left narrative is losing traction among voters. She highlighted how just a year ago, the political tide turned with a significant conservative victory, and now the left seems more radical and desperate than ever.
As Gaines launched her new podcast, “The Riley Gaines Show,” she emphasized that it is part of a divine calling, aimed at tackling the pressing issues the nation faces today. She voiced concern over escalating radicalism within the Democratic Party, drawing attention to the extreme views of figures like Mamdani and certain Virginia Democrats.
Furthermore, Gaines lamented the chilling loss of Charlie Kirk, who was killed by a trans activist, a tragedy that reflects the dangerous rhetoric adopted by some on the left—rhetoric that has also seemingly shifted the focus within the conservative movement from external threats to internal conflicts. She argued that such infighting weakens their position against a party that may hold radical views but still retains a considerable influence.
Gaines urged conservatives to come together, reinforcing that unity will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming elections in 2026. She believes that rallying behind shared principles will empower the movement to confront the ideological battles ahead, reminding her audience of the importance of staying engaged in grassroots efforts, voter registration, and productive policy debates. By prioritizing unity over division, the right can hope to maintain their gains and counter the left’s attempts to regain control.
As the battle for the soul of the nation continues, the emphasis remains on solidarity within the conservative ranks to prevent the radical left from threatening the achievements of the America First agenda.