Democrats running in next year’s midterms are reaching for something new — or maybe something heavy.
Across the country, candidates are posting videos of themselves lifting weights, running sprints, and pushing their physical limits in gyms, parks, and baseball fields. These aren’t just casual workout clips — they’re campaign ads. And they’re part of a growing strategy that’s hard to miss, especially as questions about aging leadership in Washington dominate the headlines.
NEW: Democrats are pumping out content of themselves, pumping iron:
“People want to see vigor, they want to see action, that you’re prepared to do the job, doing more than sitting behind a podium regurgitating a litany of nonsensical acronyms”https://t.co/shcknY7lC2 pic.twitter.com/1bp61VAvVV
— David Wright (@DavidWright_7) July 26, 2025
In one video, Texas Senate candidate Colin Allred, still sweaty from a home gym workout, critiques former President Donald Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. In another, Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed stares down the camera while repping 315 pounds — and calls out critics who questioned his form online. “That’s 315, habibi,” he posted, in a viral clip now viewed over five million times.
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At first glance, it might look like an internet trend. But behind the biceps and barbells is a serious political effort.
These candidates are hoping to connect with a group that’s long been tough for Democrats to reach: younger male voters. Some political strategists say the videos are targeting online spaces known as the “manosphere,” where conservative voices often dominate and Trump found huge support in past elections. For Democrats, the gym might now be the new campaign trail.
NEW>> Weight a Minute! Democrats Put Dumbbell Eric Swalwell in a Gym for Feeble Attempt to Reach Male Votershttps://t.co/xDsUcLFLtr pic.twitter.com/hsLTMEDG5H
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) July 28, 2025
I should be working right now. But Republicans shut down Congress. So instead I’m in a pool. pic.twitter.com/S8f0rIfBEj
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) July 26, 2025
I should be working right now. But Republicans shut down Congress. So instead, I’m pitching for the Dublin Leprechauns. pic.twitter.com/eP5XcdrwSk
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) July 26, 2025
The shift also comes at a time when voters — across party lines — are expressing growing concern about aging politicians. After a presidential campaign season filled with questions about physical and mental fitness, these candidates are leaning into a new message: strength, energy, and discipline.
El-Sayed, a physician and former health official, says it’s more than just flexing. His goal, he says, is to break down barriers between voters and politicians. “I want to bring the politics back into the gym and bring the gym back into politics,” he told CNN.
His videos often blend physical grit with political messaging. He’s launched Facebook ads calling for “time, effort, and discipline” in politics — words that echo fitness training but aim to inspire a new type of leadership.
Allred, a former NFL linebacker, is also using workouts as a platform to talk about issues, often recording post-workout messages to supporters. “I felt I had something to say,” he told CNN, explaining why he started filming after training sessions. His campaign has tied physical fitness to voter trust, arguing that leaders need to show stamina and readiness.
Other candidates are joining in.
In New York, Army veteran Cait Conley has filmed herself lifting weights while discussing economic issues. Iowa’s J.D. Scholten, a minor league baseball pitcher, posted a video of a recent game appearance, proudly reminding voters that he’s still learning — even at 45.
Even down-ballot races are seeing a boost in fitness content. Manny Rutinel, a Colorado state representative, posted a video joking that if he did 20 pull-ups, Democrats would flip a Republican seat. He also challenged his GOP rival in a mock locker-room tone.
Not all of the fitness content is coming from newcomers. Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger, says he’s currently training to retake the Army Combat Fitness test at age 46 — and he’s not shy about documenting it.
Democrats are now dropping weightlifting videos to court young men — but critics say this is weak pandering and that young men are supporting @realDonaldTrump for policies and worldview, not gym selfies. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/SbcTU3tHxk
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 27, 2025
Democrats are now dropping weightlifting videos to court young men — but critics say this is weak pandering and that young men are supporting For now, the results of this approach remain to be seen. But these candidates are betting that strength speaks louder than slogans. In a campaign season where trust, energy, and connection matter more than ever, lifting the weight might be the easy part.
What comes next — at the polls — could be the real test.
