Former racing star Danica Patrick is revving up her political engine, and she's sending a clear message to Americans: don't sit this one out. With the midterm elections just weeks away, Patrick is using her platform to sound the alarm that these races matter more than ever.
Patrick, who made history as the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500, is no stranger to high-stakes moments. But now she's trading the track for the political arena, urging fans to make their voices heard. "It's time to (get) back out there and vote. Midterms matter," she said, in a warning that echoes across party lines.
Her new political journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Patrick recently found herself aboard Air Force One and even rode in "The Beast," the presidential limousine, alongside President Trump ahead of a rally in the Midwest. Calling the experience "pretty cool," she shared her excitement on social media, writing, "Well this was pretty cool! Rode in the Beast to the rally!"
Patrick's enthusiasm for the president was palpable, as she added, "If any of you spend 5 minutes with him you would love him even more than you already do!" Her Air Force One look turned heads, but it's her political awakening that's really grabbing attention.
For someone who didn't cast a ballot until her 40s, Patrick's pivot into politics has been swift and surprising. "It felt like a calling," she explained, reflecting on her journey. "Standing up for something is a powerful thing because it's when you're in your truth. When you're in your truth, you're quite magnetic. It gains momentum really fast, because when we're doing what's meant for us, the universe just lines things up for us."
Her political debut came just over a year ago at AmFest in Phoenix, where she first encountered activist Charlie Kirk. "I didn't know who Charlie Kirk was. I never paid attention to politics and quite specially have been avoiding the news since 2018," Patrick admitted. "I just watched YouTube and spiritual information, but not the news."
After posting photos from the event with a simple caption, "I love this country," Patrick was stunned by the backlash. "That was a divisive comment to so many, which was ridiculous," she said. The controversy only fueled her engagement, leading to appearances on Tucker Carlson's show and Charlie Kirk's program. "I was like, 'Well, I guess I'm in politics now,'" she quipped.
Patrick's bold new chapter has sparked conversations across the sports world, but she remains focused on the bigger picture. With the midterms approaching, she's urging all Americans to recognize the stakes. "It's time to get back out there and vote," she reiterated, emphasizing that every voice counts.
Whether you agree with her politics or not, Patrick's message is simple: democracy thrives when people participate. As she navigates this unexpected path, she's proving that athletes can be powerful advocates for change, on and off the field.
