Former NCAA swimmer and political activist Riley Gaines is throwing her support behind State Representative Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) in the upcoming August 6 Republican primary race for Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District.
In a video posted to social media, Gaines called Garrett a “leader in the America First agenda in the Tennessee State House,” particularly his support on the issues of keeping men out of women’s sports and spaces and prohibiting doctors from performing sex change surgeries on minor children.
Honored to have the endorsement of 6th District native, and warrior for @realdonaldtrump, @Riley_Gaines_.
Riley is fearless and an inspiration to girls and women everywhere. In Congress, I’ll carry forward the fight she’s led: standing up for fairness and protecting the future… pic.twitter.com/gWZ0kLTP9h
— Johnny Garrett (@JohnnyGarrett) March 30, 2026
“Here in Tennessee, we have led on the issue of preventing men from playing in women’s sports, we were the second state in the nation to define what a woman is in law, and of course, preventing children from undergoing radical transgender surgeries,” Gaines said.
“I have no doubt that Johnny Garrett will continue to be a leader in Washington, D.C., which is desperate for good leaders, ultimately pursuing President Trump’s America First agenda. I am so proud to support and endorse Johnny for Congress,” she added.
On his campaign website, Garrett said as a father of two daughters, he “understands the importance of keeping men out of women’s sports, and especially out of their locker rooms.”
Garrett said he is “honored” to be endorsed by Gaines, a Sumner County native, who he lauded as “a true patriot and warrior for what’s right.”
“Riley has been on the forefront and has inspired my own daughters, who are athletes, to make sure they can compete without looking at a biological man. We must make sure we support President Trump to keep men out of women’s sports, and with Riley’s help, we’re going to make sure we do what’s best for Tennesseans by bringing a little Tennessee to D.C.,” Garrett said.
In 2022, Garrett voted to advance legislation that became law, requiring schools and colleges to restrict female-designated sports teams to biological female students, establish enforcement policies, and permit students to sue if violations harm their athletic opportunities.
Garrett was also a sponsor of the landmark legislation upheld last year by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision that forbids healthcare providers from performing or administering to underage children “gender-affirming” medical procedures or treatments – including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and sex-change surgeries – for the purpose of enabling the child to identify with the opposite gender.
Gaines’ endorsement of Garrett comes after her father, Brad Gaines, was once considered a candidate in the 6th District race but failed to secure a spot on the primary ballot.
Garrett is one of four Republican candidates running for Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District, along with State Executive Committee woman Natisha Brooks, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jon Henry, and former Tennessee congressman Van Hilleary.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Riley Gaines and Johnny Garrett” by Johnny Garrett.
