Missouri Far-Right Candidate Faces Criticism for Homophobic Video

The recent campaign ad by Valentina Gomez, a fringe Republican candidate running for secretary of state in Missouri, has sparked controversy and outrage online. In the ad, Gomez, a 25-year-old Latino immigrant and real estate investor, is seen jogging through a historic district of St. Louis while delivering a message that has left many scratching their heads.

“In America, you can be anything you want,” Gomez says in the video, before making a jarring statement: “So don’t be weak and gay. Stay hard.” The ad, which features Gomez in running shorts and a vest resembling body armor, then transitions to a photo of her in front of a truck wearing a National Rifle Association hat, with an American flag and guns in each hand.

The ad, posted on Sunday, has drawn condemnation from many, including hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco, whose song was featured in the video. Fiasco distanced himself from the ad, stating that he was “currently taking action” in response to it. Former Democratic secretary of state Jason Kander also mocked Gomez on social media, calling out her lack of military service and her use of bigotry as a substitute for strength.

Despite the backlash, Gomez’s campaign has garnered support from far-right lawmakers and online conservative influencers. Her controversial statements and actions, including burning LGBTQ books with a homemade flamethrower in a previous video, have raised her profile in the crowded Republican primary race.

While Gomez defends her ad as speaking the truth and fighting for America, her remarks have raised questions about her suitability for the role of secretary of state, which primarily involves record-keeping and overseeing elections. Gomez’s extreme views, including denying the 2020 election results and advocating for the deployment of the National Guard to secure elections, have further fueled the controversy surrounding her campaign.