Democratic Candidates Claim to Defend Girls' Sports, But Voting Records Show Opposition Four Democratic candidates in close House races are running ads portraying themselves as advocates for girls' sports, yet their voting histories reveal they have opposed or avoided measures that would ban biological males from female competition. This discrepancy suggests a strategic attempt to align with voter sentiment while disregarding their actual legislative actions. Four Democratic candidates in competitive House races are running ads casting themselves as defenders of girls' sports, despite voting records showing they opposed or sidestepped legislation banning biological males from female competition, according to a report published Monday. Democratic Candidates Ads Contrast With Voting RecordsThe Washington Examiner found that the candidates - Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ), state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott (D-IA), and Lindsay James (D-IA) - are financing spots that claim they are willing to break with their party to protect female athletes, even as their records show otherwise.Kaptur, facing Republican Derek Merrin, addressed the issue directly in one spot: 'I voted with Republicans to keep transgender ideology out of our schools because parents know what's best for their kids. And boys should not play in girls' sports.' Yet she opposed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act and is a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, which critics say would eliminate sex-based distinctions in athletics. In a similar vein, Payne - who lost a primary but remains on the ballot - said in an ad, 'I will always stand up for women and girls,' while opposing the same sports protection bill.Strategic Shift Draws Criticism Over Transgender SportsThe trend suggests a strategic shift by Democrats in tight races to align with voters' concerns about fairness in women's sports, even if it contradicts their legislative history. A recent Pew Research survey found 73% of Americans express concern about transgender athletes competing against their birth sex, with 55% of Democrats uncomfortable with the practice. This dissonance between rhetoric and record has sparked criticism on social media, where users have circulated the candidates' true voting stances alongside their campaign claims.