Political hopefuls from the Democratic party share workout clips in an attempt to fuel their campaigns ahead of the midterm elections
Democrats in the 2026 midterms are embracing a unique approach to connect with male voters, particularly younger men active in online communities known as the "manosphere". This strategy involves sharing weightlifting and workout videos on social media, showcasing candidates' physical fitness and vigor.
One such candidate is Cait Conley, an Army veteran running against New York Rep. Mike Lawler. In a workout video, Conley discussed affordability issues, highlighting her commitment to addressing pressing concerns.
Another candidate, Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Senate hopeful, has made health, fitness, and appeals to young men central to his campaign. El-Sayed argues that weightlifting content isn't just for men and is accessible to everyone. In a social media post that garnered over 5 million views, El-Sayed corrected his bench-press weight to emphasize his strength.
El-Sayed's campaign has also launched Facebook ads promoting his workouts and advocating for "time, effort, and discipline" in politics.
Texas Senate candidate Colin Allred, a retired NFL linebacker and former congressman, is another example of this trend. Allred films workout videos and uses them to comment on campaign developments and news of the day. He posted a workout video the day after his campaign launch, and he's hoping for a statewide breakthrough against incumbent GOP Sen. John Cornyn or primary rival Ken Paxton, the state's attorney general.
Allred has also been vocal about political issues, such as criticizing President Donald Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files in a workout video. He lost a Senate bid last year to Sen. Ted Cruz but is making his second run for Senate this year.
This strategy represents a shift from traditional approaches focused on policy or conventional messaging. By sharing visual content of physical exertion, candidates aim to emotionally and culturally resonate with targeted voters. However, Democratic strategist Pat Dennis warns against appearing inauthentic in these attempts to reach voters.
Joe Caiazzo, another Democratic strategist, believes that candidates are posting weightlifting content to show vigor and action. Allred helped found the "Speaking with American Men" project earlier this year, further demonstrating his commitment to engaging with male voters.
In summary, Democrats are leveraging weightlifting content in their campaigns to signal energy, counter age-based critiques, and culturally resonate with male “manosphere” voters by embodying strength and vigor in a politically symbolic way.
- Amidst the 2026 midterms, politics and weightlifting are intertwining, with candidates like Cait Conley, Abdul El-Sayed, and Colin Allred showcasing their physical fitness on social media to appeal to male voters.
- Democrat Joe Caiazzo suggests that this trend stems from a desire to demonstrate vigor and action, as seen in Allred's posts commenting on daily news and policy matters.
- Although this new approach to political campaigning aims to resonate with potential voters, it is crucial for candidates to maintain authenticity, as strategist Pat Dennis warns against appearing insincere in their efforts.
