Betrayed, disappointed, hurt — and backing Democrats anyway

October 28, 2026

Democratic candidates in conservative states including South Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, and Texas have adopted anti-trans rhetoric in their 2026 campaigns, using phrases like "biological men" and opposing transgender athletes in women's sports, despite previously supporting LGBTQ+ rights. These messaging shifts have occurred as Republicans intensify attacks on trans rights and polling suggests voters may favor restrictions on trans athletes, prompting Democratic candidates to walk back earlier positions in competitive races. Transgender voters and their allies expressed deep hurt and frustration at being characterized with language that misgenders them by candidates they would typically support.

Who is affected

Transgender individuals, particularly transgender women and youth
Max Sorgenfrey, co-chair of Charleston DSA chapter
David Bell, whose adult daughter is trans
Lorien Lucero, a consultant in South Carolina
Kathleen Burns and her trans/nonbinary spouse in Columbus, Ohio
Kaden, a trans man in Geauga County, Ohio
Aria Shipston, a drag performer and LGBTQ+ rights advocate in Iowa
Annie Sarcone, a delivery driver in Des Moines who volunteers at an LGBTQ+ youth resource center
Bryanna Jenkins, an attorney in Houston
Avery Belyeu, CEO of the Montrose Center in Houston
Twenty local LGBTQ+ rights groups in South Carolina
Equality Ohio and other LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations
Families with trans children in Texas

What action is being taken

Democratic candidates are releasing campaign ads and making statements opposing "gender surgery for minors" and "men in women's sports"
Twenty local LGBTQ+ rights groups signed an open letter denouncing transphobic messaging
Charleston DSA drafted a statement criticizing Andrews' ad
Republican-aligned groups and Elon Musk are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on ads with anti-trans messaging
Ken Paxton is calling for investigations into families with trans kids and threatening to revoke licenses of mental healthcare providers who affirm children's gender identities
Trans voters and advocates are working closely with state and national civil rights groups through grassroots organizing
Most trans voters interviewed are voting for Democratic candidates despite their disappointment

Why it matters

This represents a significant shift in Democratic Party positioning on transgender rights, with candidates in competitive races adopting Republican framing and rhetoric that misgenders trans people, even after previously supporting LGBTQ+ rights. The dynamic reveals how trans people are being treated as politically expendable by Democrats who calculate that distancing themselves from trans rights will improve their electoral chances in conservative states. This creates an agonizing dilemma for trans voters who feel abandoned by their own party but still see Democratic candidates as less harmful than Republicans actively enacting restrictive legislation. The situation demonstrates how trans people are being "reduced to a controversy rather than being seen as human beings" and highlights the gap between what politicians say to win elections versus meaningfully advocating for vulnerable communities.

What's next

The election will take place on November 3
Trans advocates plan to continue holding Democratic candidates accountable after the election, keeping "their feet to the fire" if elected
Grassroots organizing efforts will continue with hopes of creating a "watershed" moment
Supreme Court appointments over the next six years are a consideration for some voters
Democratic candidates, if elected, may face continued pressure from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations to support trans rights

Read full article from source: The 19th