House Democrats Break Party Lines on Women’s Sports Issue

Some House Democrats are diverging from their party regarding rules about men’s participation in women’s sports. This shift comes as Republicans emphasize the issue before the upcoming midterm elections. Representatives Shomari Figures and Terri Sewell of Alabama sided with Republicans in a vote for an amendment to the defense policy bill. This amendment would prevent biological males from competing in women’s sports at Department of War-run schools.

Both Figures and Sewell had previously opposed similar legislation just last year, but Alabama’s redistricting has complicated their re-election chances. Figures’ district now includes more Republican voters, making his re-election more challenging. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) even added him to their target list recently.

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.

Sewell’s district, however, remains stable, yet she also voted against her party. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and over 200 other Democrats opposed the measure, while all present Republicans supported it.

Previously, both lawmakers opposed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in 2025. This law tried to prevent federally funded schools from allowing biological males to compete in girls’ and women’s sports. Their recent votes reflect a possible change due to public opinions. A New York Times/Ipsos poll in 2025 showed that nearly 80% of Americans opposed biological males competing in women’s sports; about 70% of Democrats shared this view.

Despite the shift, Republicans criticized the Alabama Democrats, suggesting the move was politically motivated. NRCC spokesman Reilly Richardson stated that Figures and Sewell are trying to hide their past views for political gain.

Figures defended his position, claiming consistency in his beliefs. He cited a 2025 amendment he supported that limited transgender athlete participation. He mentioned opposition to the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act because it could lead to inappropriate checks on young girls without safeguards. Supporters of the measure argued it wouldn’t endanger girls.

Fox News Digital reached out to Sewell for comment.

Other Democrats like Don Davis from North Carolina and Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez from Texas joined Republicans in favor of the Mace amendment. They often cross party lines to support Republican proposals.

Rep. Nancy Mace, who sponsored the amendment, emphasized its goal to protect women’s sports. She argued that male athletes unfairly intrude in women’s athletics, jeopardizing safety, and fairness.

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.