Several House Democrats, vulnerable in the upcoming midterms, are challenging their party’s stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports. Reps. Shomari Figures and Terri Sewell from Alabama supported a Republican-backed amendment to the defense policy bill. This amendment aims to prevent biological males from participating in women’s sports within Department of War-run schools.
Both Democrats had previously opposed similar legislation, but recent political pressures have influenced their decisions. Figures, facing a tough re-election due to redistricting, is now seen as a prime target by the GOP. Sewell’s seat remains largely unchanged, yet she joined the dissent against Democratic leaders.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and 202 other Democrats opposed the measure, while all present Republicans supported it. Figures and Sewell also voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act previously, which intended to restrict federally funded schools from allowing biological males to compete in female sports.
The shift among Democrats reflects ongoing disputes over transgender issues, as public polls reveal significant opposition to biological males in women’s sports. A New York Times/Ipsos survey in 2025 highlighted that nearly 80% of Americans disagree with this participation. Among Democrats, seven in ten express similar opposition.
Republicans have criticized Figures and Sewell’s actions, accusing them of acting out of political necessity rather than genuine belief. NRCC spokesperson Reilly Richardson argued that the Alabama Democrats are attempting to obscure their radical views due to political pressure.
Figures countered, asserting his consistent stance against men competing in women’s sports, citing previous legislative support that addressed transgender athletes. He expressed concerns about the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act potentially allowing inappropriate checks on young girls.
Other Democrats, including Don Davis from North Carolina and Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez from Texas, crossed party lines to support Republican proposals. These Democrats routinely vote for Republican-sponsored bills while vulnerable to GOP challenges.
Rep. Nancy Mace from South Carolina, who introduced the amendment, defended it as a measure to protect women’s sports. Mace argued against gender ideology, raising concerns about male athletes’ impact on women’s sports.
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