Politics

Some Democrats adjust messaging on transgender sports participation ahead of elections

Prominent party figures express agreement with restrictions as public polling shows broad support for sports bans

Updated Sep 14, 2026 · 20:57 UTC2 reports

The short version

Several high-profile Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have expressed support for restricting transgender athletes from female sports divisions.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
Public polling shows a majority of voters and more than half of surveyed Democrats support restrictions on transgender sports participation.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
State policies remain divided, with at least 25 states actively enforcing bans while courts block measures in three others.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]

California Governor Gavin Newsom stated he largely agrees with President Donald Trump regarding transgender girls and women competing in school sports.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
A June Quinnipiac University poll found that about 7 in 10 registered voters think transgender women and girls should not compete on female sports teams.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
A Pew Research Center poll showed that 55 percent of Democrats were not comfortable with athletes competing on teams inconsistent with their sex assigned at birth.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
At least 25 states enforce policies restricting transgender women and girls from competing in female sports, while courts have blocked enforcement in three additional states.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in 2024 that fewer than 10 transgender student-athletes competed among more than 500,000 college participants.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]

The long-term legal status of sports bans in three states remains unresolved while court orders block their enforcement.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.