New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sherrill is facing renewed criticism over her congressional voting record on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. This issue continues to generate controversy both nationally and within her home state.
On Thursday, former President Donald Trump weighed in on the debate with a post on Truth Social, directly targeting Sherrill’s record. Trump accused Sherrill of supporting “Open Borders” and noted her sponsorship of a resolution awarding tennis legend Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal. Despite these actions, Sherrill’s voting record has prompted backlash from parents, activists, and political opponents alike.
Paula Scanlan, a former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who spoke out during the Lia Thomas controversy in 2022, criticized Sherrill on X (formerly Twitter) this week for her stance. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Republican Party released a campaign graphic highlighting Sherrill’s record on transgender athlete issues. Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli also raised concerns earlier in July through a campaign post.
This debate carries particular weight in New Jersey, home to transgender track and field athlete Sadie Schreiner of Hillsborough. Schreiner, who previously competed for Rochester Institute of Technology, has been at the center of ongoing disputes regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports. She has gone viral multiple times for videos sharing her firsthand experiences as a biological male competing against female athletes.
Currently, Schreiner is suing Princeton University after being barred from competing in the women’s 200-meter sprint at the Larry Ellis Invitational on May 3. According to the lawsuit, officials informed Schreiner just 15 minutes before the race that participation was prohibited. The suit alleges that Princeton violated the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which includes gender identity or expression as a protected status. Schreiner has also filed a separate lawsuit against SUNY Geneseo after being banned from a women’s race in March.
Polling shows that the issue resonates widely with voters across party lines. A New York Times/Ipsos survey conducted in January found that 79% of Americans oppose allowing biological males who identify as women to compete in women’s sports. Among Democrats and those leaning Democratic, 67% shared this view. The opposition was even stronger among Republicans at 94%, and 64% among independents.
Similarly, a Gallup poll from last year found that nearly 70% of Americans opposed males competing in women’s sports. A national exit poll conducted by Concerned Women for America during the 2024 election reported that 70% of moderate voters considered Trump’s opposition to transgender athletes in women’s sports important—6% said it was the most important issue, and 44% said it was very important.
The Democratic Party itself has seen shifts in its stance on the issue. Several prominent figures, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Vice President Kamala Harris, have adjusted their positions. In her book *107 Days*, Harris acknowledged parental and athlete concerns, writing:
“I agree with the concerns expressed by parents and players that we have to take into account biological factors such as muscle mass and unfair student athletic advantage when we determine who plays on which teams, especially in contact sports.”
As the New Jersey governor’s race continues, criticism of Sherrill’s voting record on transgender athletes is expected to remain a prominent topic. Her Republican opponent and others will likely continue to highlight her past opposition to legislation aimed at restricting the participation of biological males in women’s sports.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/09/nj-dem-candidate-dodges-questions-about-her-voting-record-for-transgender-athletes-watch/