Four Democrats competing in closely watched House contests are airing campaign ads portraying themselves as advocates for girls’ sports, even though their legislative records indicate they opposed or avoided votes on measures barring transgender women and girls from female athletic competition, according to a report released Monday.
The New York Post reported that the candidates—two sitting representatives and two newcomers—are funding advertisements suggesting they would challenge their own party to protect female athletes, despite records that appear to tell a different story.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), facing a competitive challenge from Republican Derek Merrin, makes the issue a central part of one of her television spots.
“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 advertisement.
However, Kaptur voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, joining 205 Democrats in opposition. She is also a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, a proposal critics argue would remove sex-based distinctions from athletic competition.
Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) voted “present” on that legislation, which passed 218-206 after two Texas Democrats joined Republicans. In his campaign ad, Davis says decisions over sports eligibility should be left to individual states.
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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.” Yet during her time in the legislature, she voted against a 2022 law prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports and a 2023 measure limiting locker-room access. Both bills were signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Nunn’s campaign answered with an advertisement accusing Trone Garriott of distorting her record. Another Iowa Democrat, Lindsay James, who is running for the open seat held by Rep. Ashley Hinson, also voted against both state measures.
The competing messages reflect a broader effort by vulnerable Democrats to adjust their positioning before the November midterm elections. At the same time, candidates in safer Democratic districts are embracing more progressive positions. 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 athletes of their birth sex. The same survey showed that 55 percent of Democrats were uncomfortable with the practice.
The advertisements also prompted discussion on X, where users shared the candidates’ voting histories and questioned why the issue had become prominent in their campaigns now.