Voters in Four States Approve Transgender Sports Limits Despite Democratic Gains

Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska and Washington approved measures restricting transgender students’ participation in girls’ school sports, even as Democrats made major gains nationally and won key races in some of those states. Colorado voters also appeared to support a ban on gender-affirming surgeries for minors, though the count was still close in some reports. The results underscore how support for Democratic candidates can coexist with backing for restrictions on transgender rights, an issue Republicans emphasized in campaign ads. Supporters say the sports measures protect fairness and safety for female athletes; opponents argue they discriminate against transgender students and may invite invasive scrutiny.