Four Democrats running in competitive House races are airing campaign ads portraying themselves as advocates for girls’ sports, even though their voting records show they opposed or avoided legislation that would bar biological males from competing in female sports, according to a report published Monday.
The New York Post reported that the candidates—two sitting lawmakers and two first-time contenders—are funding ads that present them as willing to defy their party to protect female athletes, despite records that tell a different story.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), facing a close challenge from Republican Derek Merrin, speaks about the issue explicitly in one of her advertisements.
“I voted with Republicans to keep transgender ideology out of our schools because parents know what’s best for their kids. And boys should not play in girls’ sports,” Kaptur says in the ad.
Kaptur voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, joining 205 other Democrats in opposing the measure. She is also a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, which critics argue would remove sex-based distinctions in athletic competition.
Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) voted “present” on the same bill, which passed 218-206 after two Texas Democrats joined Republicans in support. In his campaign ad, Davis says states should determine their own policies.
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“There should always be a safe and fair space for women and girls in sports,” Davis says. “That’s why I believe states should decide what’s right for protecting women and girls, and North Carolina has decided.”
Sarah Trone Garriott, an Iowa state senator challenging Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA), says in one ad that she opposes “letting men in women’s locker rooms.” However, during her time in the legislature, she voted against a 2022 bill prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports and a 2023 measure limiting locker-room access. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed both bills.
Nunn’s campaign answered with an ad accusing Trone Garriott of distorting her record. Lindsay James, the Democratic candidate seeking Iowa’s vacant seat previously held by Rep. Ashley Hinson, also voted against both state measures.
The ads reflect a broader effort by vulnerable Democrats to adjust their messaging ahead of the November midterm elections, even as candidates in safer districts take a different approach. Socialist nominee Claire Valdez recently identified a “Trans Bill of Rights” as a priority if Democrats regain control of the House.
A Pew Research Center analysis found that 73 percent of Americans expressed concern about transgender athletes competing against people of their birth sex. The survey also found that 55 percent of Democrats were uncomfortable with the practice.
The report prompted reactions on X, where users shared the candidates’ voting histories and questioned the timing of their campaign advertisements.
