Democratic gubernatorial candidates Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger face mounting scrutiny for their positions on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, despite significant public opposition to such policies. Both candidates, running in New Jersey and Virginia, have been questioned by critics and activists over their past legislative records on the issue, with their campaigns facing inquiries about their support for legislation that would allow trans people to compete in female sports. While both Sherrill and Spanberger have co-sponsored the Equality Act, they have also voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which seeks to protect female athletes from competition with trans competitors. This has led to criticism from both opponents and activist groups, with some highlighting that the issue is gaining increasing attention as the 2024 election cycle progresses.
Spanberger, a Democratic candidate in Virginia, was recently questioned in a viral interview about whether she would support a bill allowing trans people in female sports and bathrooms. She did not take a concrete stance, stating that the current process of decision-making based on individual circumstances and local input was working well. She also co-sponsored the Equality Act in 2021 but voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in 2023. Meanwhile, Sherrill, whose congressional record has drawn criticism on social media, co-sponsored both the Equality Act and the Transgender Bill of Rights, which guarantees certain rights for transgender and nonbinary people, including sports teams consistent with gender identity. However, she also voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act twice, prompting direct criticism from the New Jersey GOP.
National polls reveal that a majority of Americans, including a significant number of Democrats, oppose the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports. A New York Times/Ipsos survey found that 79% of respondents, including 67% of Democrats, believe that biological males who identify as women should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports. Gallup polls have also shown that nearly 70% of Americans feel that biological men should not be permitted to compete in women’s sports. These findings suggest that the issue is resonating with a broad segment of the population, despite the growing emphasis on gender identity in Democratic policy discussions.
As the 2024 election approaches, prominent Democratic figures have also begun to distance themselves from the idea that males should be allowed to compete with females in sports. Figures like Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, and Kamala Harris have expressed reservations about the inclusion of male athletes in women’s sports, with Harris even acknowledging the concerns of parents and athletes about biological advantages like muscle mass in contact sports. However, this has sparked debate within the party over how to balance support for transgender rights with public concerns about fairness and safety in sports.
The debate over trans athletes in women’s sports continues to be a contentious issue, with growing attention from both political parties and the public. As Democratic candidates face increasingly critical scrutiny, the issue is expected to remain a key point of discussion throughout the 2024 election cycle.