Danica Patrick's Fans Are Split On Her Political Shift in 2026
Danica Patrick, 44, grew up in Wisconsin. She was not a very political person. In fact, Patrick went 40-plus years without ever voting.
The former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, who left high school to pursue racing, considered herself to be more of a liberal or independent for much of her life. That's changed lately, though. Patrick announced a few years ago that she had officially been "red pilled." Patrick changed from a liberal independent to a hardcore conservative.
It felt like a "calling," she says.
"It felt like a calling. I'd love to hear some of your perspective on how it all feels because it's been a tidal wave of change in what you do and how people see you. Standing up for something is a powerful thing because it's when you're in your truth," Patrick said. "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. It went really quickly for me. It was a little over a year ago that I went to my first ever political event, which was AmFest here in Phoenix.
"I didn't know who Charlie Kirk was. I never paid attention to politics and quite specially have been avoiding the news since 2018. I just watched YouTube and spiritual information, but not the news. After going to that event, I posted some photos of my sister and I. It [her post] said, ‘I love this country.' That was a divisive comment to so many, which was ridiculous. I then met Tucker Carlson and went on his show in the beginning of January. I came back from Florida and Charlie reached out to go on his show. I was like, ‘Well, I guess I'm in politics now.'"
Patrick is continuing to double down on those thoughts. The former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, who retired in 2018, has made it clear that her love of the United States is paramount to everything else.
"I love this country, and I have lived in other places. I believe when people of different opinions speak face to face, we realize we are more similar than different."
"I don't believe everything anyone says. I have been very torn over the years if I should give a (crap) about politics or just live the life I want as an example. I have been doing the latter. The reaction today is definitely interesting… since all I said was, I love this country."
Patrick further doubles down on political change
Patrick singled out her love of President Trump and the Republican Party in an Instagram post this week, after attending a rally in Arizona.
She also officially endorsed Republican candidate Jay Feely - the former NFL kicker - for U.S. Congress.
"Building the red wall starts in Arizona. Big athlete turnout yesterday in Phoenix. Shared the stage with @jeremyroenick to introduce our friend @jayfeely who is running for congress. 🙌🏻 So much respect for high achievers that pivot into a whole new profession! Jay was an NFL kicker then tv broadcaster and now…. Politics," she wrote.
"Most importantly, a good human with good values and so much passion for making this country great. Oh, and my friend @potus. 😜 First pic was me telling him how how much I love his buddy @danawhite and going my first @ufc fight after meeting him last November at the MAHA summit. What a wild weird and amazing life I get to live. 🙏 Another amazing event put on by @turningpointusa."
Patrick, unsurprisingly, has sparked a lot of debates in the comment sections of her social media posts with her political shift.
"Danica is allowed to believe in what she wants. It doesn't make her a bad person everyone has opinion and she has a right to hers. She's not a bad person for that come on now.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸," one fan wrote.
"Being in a picture with Trump is not the flex that it used to be," one fan added.
Patrick, meanwhile, continues to hold steady in her beliefs, it appears.
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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 8:29 AM.