New Hampshire – In a recent interview with the Ruthless Podcast, former U.S. Senator and Republican Senate hopeful Scott Brown lauded Indiana Fever shooting guard Sophie Cunningham for her outspoken stance that female athletes should not be forced to compete against biological men. Brown, who is seeking to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, said Cunningham showed “the guts to get up and challenge this crazy ideology” and praised her for defending women’s sports.
Personal connection fuels the argument
Brown’s passion for the issue stems from his own family’s basketball background. His daughter, Ayla, was a standout player at Boston College, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors twice and scoring 2,358 high‑school points. Brown recalled how men were sometimes brought in as practice players to make the women’s team “better because they were bigger and stronger,” adding, “To think one of them was going to take my baby’s job.” The personal anecdote underscores his belief that allowing biological men to compete threatens opportunities for female athletes.
Policy criticism of the WNBA
Earlier this month, Brown authored an opinion piece in the Union Leader condemning the Women’s National Basketball Association’s policies on transgender athletes. He called the league’s approach “hypocritical” and warned that without swift action the WNBA could “lose it all without even blinking.” The comment aligns with his broader campaign message that conservative values include protecting the integrity of women’s sports.
Campaign context
Brown’s remarks come as he campaigns across New Hampshire, emphasizing traditional family values and faith‑based principles. Podcast co‑host Josh Holmes highlighted Brown’s long‑standing commitment to conservative causes, noting, “You’re a good man… I’m glad you stayed in it for as long as you have because you’ve been a real warrior in places that aren’t easy.” The interview was part of the Ruthless Midterm Interview Series, which has featured candidates in 19 states ahead of the November 3rd general election.
Election landscape
In the Republican primary on Sept. 8, Brown will face former Senator John Sununu, while Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas contends with several challengers, including Karishma Manzur. The race is shaping up as a test of how strongly New Hampshire voters respond to cultural‑war issues such as transgender participation in sports, alongside traditional economic and fiscal concerns.
Local reaction
Local parents and community leaders have expressed support for Brown’s stance, citing concerns that allowing biological men to compete could diminish opportunities for young women in school and club athletics. Many see the issue as part of a broader parental‑rights movement that seeks to preserve fair competition and protect the health and safety of female athletes.
As the campaign heats up, Brown’s endorsement of Sophie Cunningham’s message adds a high‑profile voice to the ongoing national debate over transgender participation in women’s sports, a topic that continues to resonate with voters across New Hampshire and the country.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.