Republican secretary of state candidate tells voters not to be ‘weak and gay’

Missouri Republican secretary of state candidate Valentina Gomez posted a campaign video on X last Sunday of her urging voters to not be “weak and gay.”

“In America, you can be anything you want, so don’t be weak and gay,” Gomez says while jogging. “Stay f—ing hard.”

The video features Gomez running through the Soulard District in St. Louis, a predominately and historically LGBTQ neighborhood.

Missouri GOP Secretary of State candidate Valentina Gomez posts new campaign video:

“In America, you can be anything you want, so don’t be weak and gay.” pic.twitter.com/tub587844B

— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) May 14, 2024

On the post, Gomez also tagged British kickboxer and social media influencer Andrew Tate, whose controversial content has garnered him the nickname “the king of toxic masculinity.” Tate and his brother Tristan are currently facing human trafficking charges in Romania after several women were found being held against their will in Tate’s home. Gomez also stirred controversy in February when she posted a video of herself using a homemade flamethrower to burn books with LGBTQ themes.

When I’m Secretary of State, I will BURN all books that are grooming, indoctrinating, and sexualizing our children. MAGA. America First pic.twitter.com/m8waKi3yhP

— Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForSOS) February 6, 2024

Sunday’s post is not the first time Gomez has used “weak and gay” in campaign messages. She used the term on Tim Pool’s “Timcast IRL” podcast to describe “countries that ban rifles, guns or even flamethrowers.”

The 25-year-old Gomez is one of several candidates currently seeking the Republican bid in Missouri’s secretary of state race. The primary election will be held on Aug. 6.

EDITOR’S NOTE (5/15): A previous version of this article stated Gomez is 24 years old. She is actually 25 years old.