Several vulnerable House Democrats are breaking with their party on men competing in women’s sports as Republicans continue to hammer the issue ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Alabama Democrats Shift Stance

Reps. Shomari Figures and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., joined Republicans in voting for an amendment to the annual defense policy bill that would bar biological males from participating in women’s sports in Department of War-run schools. This vote marks a notable shift for both Alabama Democrats, who opposed similar legislation as recently as last year.

The reversal comes as transgender issues continue to divide Democrats, with public polling showing broad opposition to biological males competing in women’s sports. A New York Times/Ipsos poll conducted in 2025 found that nearly 80% of Americans opposed biological males competing in women’s sports.

Republican Reaction

Republicans sharply criticized the Alabama Democrats’ votes, arguing the move reflected political necessity rather than a genuine change in position. “Out of touch Democrats Shomari Figures and Terri Sewell are desperately trying to hide their far-left views now that it’s politically expedient, but it’s too little too late,” NRCC spokesman Reilly Richardson told Fox News Digital.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.