Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Dorian Rhea Debussy, Lecturer of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University

Democrats distance themselves from trans rights – close midterm races may show whether that pays off

Transgender rights have become a flashpoint in 2026 midterm races. Brandon Bell/Getty Images News via Getty

A wave of anti-transgender legislation has appeared in statehouses across the country over the past few years. Now, transgender issues are a recurring topic on the 2026 midterm campaign trail.

As a scholar of LGBTQ+ politics and history, I’ve noticed surprising trends in how Democrats in key states like Texas and Ohio talk about policies focused on transgender people, as the party vies for control of Congress.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.