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Democratic Congressman Don Davis Aligns with Anti-Trans Sports Narrative in New Campaign Ad
By Drooid · · How we work
Shift Toward Anti-Trans Rhetoric in Davis’s Campaign Ad
In a newly released television spot, Democratic Representative Don Davis—who represents North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District—appears on a football field to argue that “fairness” and “safety” for women and girls in sports require state-level restrictions on transgender participation. The ad frames the issue as a matter of protecting female athletes and endorses the state’s recent ban on transgender girls competing on girls’ and women’s school and college teams. Davis’s on-camera remarks echo Republican talking points that have been used to mobilize voters on gender-identity issues in recent election cycles.
North Carolina’s Transgender Sports Legislation
The North Carolina General Assembly passed the ban in 2023, overriding a veto by then-Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat. The law bars transgender girls and women from joining girls’ and women’s athletic teams in public schools and colleges. The legislation was part of a broader wave of anti-trans bills enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature that year.
Davis’s Prior LGBTQ-Related Votes and Sponsorships
Before the ad, Davis co-sponsored the Equality Act, which would expand federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He also voted for a “don’t say trans” measure that could compel schools to disclose a student’s gender identity, a vote shared by only eight House Democrats. These actions have drawn criticism from LGBTQ advocacy groups, who note a stark contrast between his earlier support for federal protections and his current endorsement of state bans.
Electoral Context and District Changes
Davis is seeking reelection after a narrow 2024 victory over Republican Laurie Buckhout, winning by roughly 6,000 votes according to local reporting. A mid-decade redistricting plan, approved by the state legislature, has made his district more Republican-leaning. The Cook Political Report now rates the race as leaning Republican, despite a generally favorable national environment for Democrats heading into the midterms.
Reactions from LGBTQ Advocates and Political Analysts
LGBTQ rights organizations have expressed disappointment, arguing that Davis’s ad signals a willingness to abandon prior commitments to trans equality in favor of electoral calculations. Political analysts note that the ad reflects a broader strategy by House Democrats to counter Republican attacks that have weaponized transgender rights in recent campaigns.