House Democrats Break Party Lines on Sports Amendment

Several House Democrats are breaking from their party regarding sports participation. This move comes ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, with Republicans continuing to focus on the topic.

Representatives Shomari Figures and Terri Sewell from Alabama joined Republicans in voting for an amendment. This amendment, part of the annual defense policy bill, aims to prevent biological males from competing in women’s sports at schools managed by the Department of War.

The decision from these Alabama Democrats is significant. Both opposed similar legislation last year. Their change follows redistricting efforts that have complicated their re-election chances.

Figures faces increased pressure in his district, now considered a key opportunity for GOP gains. This shift comes after Alabama’s congressional map added more GOP voters to the area. The National Republican Congressional Committee recently added him to its target list for upcoming elections.

Congressman Shomari Figures, D-Ala., speaks at a press conference with other members of the House Democratic caucus in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 12, 2025. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Sewell’s district, anchored around Birmingham, saw fewer changes. Despite this, she opposed Democratic leadership on the amendment.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and over 200 Democrats voted against the measure. All present Republicans supported it.

Previously, both Figures and Sewell voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in 2025. This act restricted federally funded schools from permitting biological males in girls’ sports.

Transgender issues divide Democrats, with public polls showing widespread opposition to transgender athletes in women’s sports. A 2025 New York Times/Ipsos poll revealed that nearly 80% of Americans, including many Democrats, object to biological males competing in women’s events.

Protesters against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports gathered outside the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 13, 2026. (Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Republicans criticized the Alabama Democrats’ votes, suggesting the choice was driven by political needs rather than beliefs.

Reilly Richardson from the NRCC said, “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.” He added that Alabamians are aware of their support for the Democrats’ agenda.

Figures, however, argued that his position on transgender participation remains unchanged. He supported an earlier amendment focused on restricting transgender athletes.

“As I have said before, I do not believe that men should be allowed to participate in women’s sports,” Figures stated. He explained that he voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act due to concerns over privacy and safety.

Sewell has not commented on the matter as of yet.

Other Democrats, including Reps. Don Davis, Henry Cuellar, and Vicente Gonzalez, also sided with Republicans in favor of the amendment. These representatives often support Republican initiatives, reflecting their vulnerability to GOP challengers.

Rep. Nancy Mace, who sponsored the amendment, emphasized its purpose to safeguard women’s sports and addressed her concerns about gender ideology impacts on women.

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., speaks during a Congressional Black Caucus news conference in the U.S. Capitol on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais on April 29, 2026. (CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

“Men are not women. Men will never become women,” Mace argued, criticizing the current situation in women’s sports.