Riley Gaines Mocks NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani’s Bench Press Struggle

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faced widespread ridicule after struggling to bench press 135 pounds at a public event in Brooklyn. Conservative political activist and former NCAA swimming champion Riley Gaines mocked Mamdani by sharing a video of herself bench pressing 165 pounds with ease, emphasizing her superior strength despite weighing less. Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo also joined in the criticism, highlighting Mamdani's gym fail as symbolic of his perceived inability to handle the responsibilities of leading New York City. Mamdani’s performance was seen as a metaphor by opponents for his fitness to govern, with Adams contrasting their efforts and Cuomo doubting Mamdani's capacity to carry the city's weight. The incident has fueled further scrutiny and debate surrounding Mamdani's candidacy and the broader political discourse within the Democratic Party. Gaines, known for her outspoken stance on women's sports and support of President Trump’s policies, used the episode to reinforce her critique of the socialist candidate.