Conservative activist Riley Gaines just threw some serious shade at NYC mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, and it’s not just about politics—it’s about pure, physical grit.
According to New York Post, in a viral video shared recently, Gaines showcased her strength by bench pressing 165 pounds, a feat that’s drawn attention to Mamdani’s less-than-impressive 135-pound struggle at a Brooklyn event on Saturday, while also sparking comments from political heavyweights like Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Gaines, a former swimmer who gained prominence after a notable 2022 competition tie for fifth place with transgender athlete Lia Thomas, isn’t new to speaking her mind. She’s built a platform challenging progressive policies in sports, and now she’s turned her sharp commentary to Mamdani. Her video, originally from 2022, shows her lifting more than her own body weight of 130 pounds with apparent ease.
“165lb relatively easy reps,” Gaines boasted in her post, making it clear she’s not just flexing muscle but also a pointed critique. Let’s be honest—when a politician steps into a gym for a public stunt, they’re inviting scrutiny, and Gaines isn’t holding back on the judgment.
“Take note, Zohran Mamdani,” she added, directly calling out the mayoral candidate. It’s a polite jab, but the implication stings: if you can’t lift the bar, can you lift the city’s burdens? That’s the question conservatives are asking.
“I’m absolutely judging a politician for how much he can bench,” Gaines quipped, doubling down on her stance. While some might call this petty, it taps into a broader sentiment that leadership demands strength—both mental and, apparently, physical.
Let’s rewind to Saturday at Brooklyn’s annual Men’s Day open streets event, where Mamdani attempted to bench press 135 pounds. The result? A visible struggle that quickly became fodder for critics across the political spectrum.
Contrast that with Mayor Eric Adams, a rival in the mayoral race, who powered through multiple reps at the same event without breaking a sweat or needing a spotter. It’s hard not to see this as a metaphor for readiness to lead, especially when optics matter as much as policy in today’s political arena.
Adams didn’t miss his chance to weigh in, saying, “64 vs 33. The results speak for themselves.” For conservatives, this isn’t just about age or reps—it’s about a perceived gap in grit and real-world experience.
Adams took it further, jabbing, “A lifetime of hard work vs. a silver spoon.” It’s a not-so-subtle dig at Mamdani’s background, suggesting privilege over perseverance, a narrative that resonates with those skeptical of progressive elites.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo also entered the fray, stating, “This guy can’t bench his own body weight.” While harsh, it reflects a shared conservative concern that leadership requires a certain toughness, especially for a city as demanding as New York.
Cuomo added, “The only thing he can lift is your taxes.” It’s a clever zinger, tying physical weakness to fiscal policy—a classic conservative critique of progressive agendas that often prioritize spending over restraint.
For many on the right, this gym fiasco isn’t just a sideshow—it’s symbolic of deeper issues with candidates who seem out of touch with the grind of everyday Americans. Mamdani’s struggle at 135 pounds isn’t the crime of the century, but it’s an easy target for those questioning his stamina for the mayoral role.
Gaines, Adams, and Cuomo may differ in their approaches, but their collective focus on Mamdani’s performance underscores a traditional value: leaders should embody resilience. While the left might argue this is irrelevant to governing, conservatives see it as a litmus test for handling pressure. It’s not personal; it’s principled.
As the mayoral race heats up, expect more moments like this where personal feats—or failures—become political ammunition. Mamdani has a chance to rebound, but for now, the narrative is clear: in the court of public opinion, strength matters, and not just at the gym.
