Show summary Hide summary
Despite a Democratic-leaning sweep in the 2026 midterm elections, voters in several states approved measures restricting the participation of transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports. Returns as of Wednesday afternoon showed decisive margins in some states and tighter results in others.
Election backdrop
The broader results of the midterms have been framed as a repudiation of President Donald Trump’s agenda, but the measures on transgender athletes bucked that trend in multiple states. They drew support from voters across political divides, including in states that typically lean Democratic.
Wisconsin adds linebacker who stands out with an unusual statistical profile
Bucks bench Ryan Rollins, giving Jaime Jaquez Jr. a chance for more playing time
What the measures would do
Arizona
Arizona voters backed an expansion of an existing statute by about 59% as of Wednesday afternoon. The amendment defines sex as the biological sex assigned at birth and bars transgender athletes, as well as coaches or others, from using showers, bathrooms, locker rooms or other private facilities that do not correspond to that definition.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, voters approved a constitutional amendment by roughly 68%, enshrining a prohibition that requires public K–12 schools and colleges—and private schools that compete against them—to designate a gender for each team. The measure specifies that teams designated for women “shall not be open to students of the male sex.” It also codifies a state law passed in 2025.
Washington and Colorado
As of Wednesday afternoon, measures in Washington and Colorado were trending toward passage but had not been called. Both states are generally Democratic-leaning and have Democratic governors and senators in office or recently elected.
Washington’s proposal would direct school districts and nonprofit organizers of interscholastic sports to prevent athletes assigned male at birth from competing on teams labeled for women or girls. It would also require athletes on women’s teams to submit a verification statement from a health care provider confirming their sex.
Colorado’s measure would compel K–12 schools, colleges and athletic associations to label teams as male, female or co‑ed and to bar athletes from joining teams that do not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
Immediate implications
The approved measures set statewide rules that affect school and collegiate athletic programs, as well as private schools that compete with public institutions. Implementation will fall to local districts and athletic bodies, and the changes are likely to reshape eligibility and facilities policies where they take effect.
