Former NASCAR star Danica Patrick announces her first-ever presidential vote will go to Donald Trump in 2024, marking a shift from the racetrack to the political arena.
At a Glance
- Danica Patrick will vote for the first time in 2024, supporting Donald Trump
- She describes voting for Trump as a “vote of reason”
- Patrick’s political engagement increased after attending America Fest
- She argues Trump’s personality shouldn’t deter voters
- Patrick praises Trump’s humor and ability to connect with people
From NASCAR to the Ballot Box
Danica Patrick, the former NASCAR driver known for breaking barriers in auto racing, is making headlines once again. This time, it’s not for her performance on the track, but for her decision to cast her first-ever vote in a presidential election. Patrick has announced her intention to support Donald Trump in the 2024 race, signaling a significant shift from her previous disengagement with politics.
Patrick’s newfound political interest comes after years of focusing intensely on her racing career. She attributes her change of heart to recent experiences, including attending events like America Fest in Phoenix, which she says reinforced her patriotic sentiments and sparked a desire to participate in the democratic process.
A “Vote of Reason”
In explaining her decision to support Trump, Patrick frames it as a rational choice based on her assessment of the country’s needs. She has been vocal about her reasons, addressing common criticisms of the former president and offering her perspective on why she believes he’s the right choice for America.
“It feels like voting for Donald Trump is like the vote of reason. It’s like the rational, reasonable choice.”
It sure is. 🙌🏼 https://t.co/OwaqT65FWI
— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) October 11, 2024
Patrick has observed a gender divide in voting preferences for Trump, noting that many women cite his personality as a reason for not supporting him. However, she argues that personal dislike is insufficient grounds for withholding support, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the country’s well-being over personal feelings about a candidate.
Beyond Personality Politics
In her endorsement, Patrick has praised Trump’s sense of humor and his ability to connect with people, highlighting his unscripted nature as a strength. She argues that these qualities, combined with his leadership style, could bring about significant improvements in America.
“That’s the most common answer you hear from people. ‘I just can’t vote for him.’ I don’t think that’s a good enough reason. You don’t have to go to dinner with him. You just have to like the country that you live in.”
Patrick’s involvement in political events has deepened since her retirement from racing. She recently moderated a Q&A session with J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, further demonstrating her engagement with the campaign and its message. This participation has solidified her belief in Trump’s potential to elevate the country.
A New Chapter in Public Life
Patrick’s announcement marks a new chapter in her public life, tethering her identity as both a sports icon and a newly engaged voter. Her transition from the world of professional racing to political advocacy reflects a broader trend of celebrities using their platforms to influence public discourse on political matters.
“I think that he has a great sense of humor… His ability to go so unscripted and be in so many scenarios where he has to essentially be himself, it’s pretty much all of them.”
As the 2024 election approaches, Patrick’s endorsement adds another voice to the national conversation about leadership, values, and the future direction of the country. Her journey from political disinterest to active engagement serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of civic participation and the power of individual voices in shaping the political landscape.
