Story perspectives

Republican Anti-Trans Strategy Fails in Key Elections

11/7/2025

40 8

Summary

Story summary

Right-wing media misinterpreted past results, believing anti-trans messaging would mobilize voters ahead of the 2025 elections.
Republicans spent millions in Virginia and New Jersey, but Democrats Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) won.
Polling shows transgender rights were not among voters' top concerns.
The 2022 midterms had already shown anti-trans rhetoric did not resonate, and the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump in 2025 reinforces this pattern.

1 of 1

Story summary

Right-wing media misinterpreted past results, believing anti-trans messaging would mobilize voters ahead of the 2025 elections.
Republicans spent millions in Virginia and New Jersey, but Democrats Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) won.
Polling shows transgender rights were not among voters' top concerns.
The 2022 midterms had already shown anti-trans rhetoric did not resonate, and the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump in 2025 reinforces this pattern.