House Democrats Change Stance on Women's Sports Amid Midterm Elections

Several House Democrats have shifted their stance on the participation of biological males in women's sports, aligning with Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. Representatives Shomari Figures and Terri Sewell from Alabama voted in favor of an amendment to the defense policy bill that would prohibit biological males from competing in women's sports at Department of War-run schools. This marks a change for both lawmakers, who opposed similar legislation last year. Figures' district has seen an increase in Republican voters due to redistricting, complicating his re-election prospects. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and 202 other Democrats opposed the amendment, while all Republicans present supported it. Figures and Sewell had previously voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in 2025. Polling indicates significant opposition among the public, including a majority of Democrats, to transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Critics from the Republican side argue that the Democrats' votes reflect political necessity rather than a genuine change in beliefs. Figures defended his position, stating that he believes men should not participate in women's sports and expressed concerns about the implications of the previous legislation. The amendment's sponsor, Rep. Nancy Mace, emphasized the intent to protect women's sports.