As we approach the midterm elections, some candidates are trying new strategies to win undecided and swing votes. Ohio Representative Marcy Kaptur (Dem.) is now airing campaign ads denouncing “transgender ideology” in an attempt to draw more conservative votes to her reelection bid. Whether this will help or hurt Kaptur in the election is yet to be seen, but it is deeply concerning that an establishment Democrat is willing to shift to the right in such a harmful way.
Marcy Kaptur has represented Ohio’s Ninth Congressional District for 43 years—the longest any woman has represented any district. For Representative Kaptur to make this move at this pivotal moment of the election is very telling of the ongoing turmoil within the Democratic party.
This all comes at a time when the Trump administration is escalating its efforts to take legal protections away from transgender individuals. Trump and the Republicans have been scapegoating and fearmongering about identity politics for years, but if they do win the midterms, it could be disastrous for the transgender community. At stake is legal recognition of transgender individuals, gender affirming care, and a whole slew of other rights, protections, and basic human dignities. If Democrats are willing to cave to Trump and throw the transgender community under the bus, the Republicans may not need to win the midterms to carry out this aspect of their agenda.
In one of the two new campaign ads, Representative Kaptur says, “We’re stuck in another unnecessary war, and inflation is making everything more expensive, but my opponent won’t talk about all that. He’d rather lie about my record. Well, here’s the truth: 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. Don’t let them change the subject. I’m Marcy Kaptur, and I approve this message because I’m focused on making your life more affordable.”
This message is unsettling on a number of levels. I don’t know how much money Kaptur intends to save the taxpayer by gutting rights and protections for the transgender community, but it would probably be better for the budget to focus on ending the war with Iran or the trade war with the world.
The election for Ohio’s Ninth District stands to be very competitive, having been redrawn since the 2024 election. This is a new stance for Kaptur to take, as well, having voted in favor of LGBTQ+ legislation at various times in her long tenure in Washington, D.C. It has been evident for a long time that the Democratic party is struggling to sway voters to their side; perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that such a candidate might take a step to the right to secure reelection.
The tragedy of it all is that the Representative of a congressional district doesn’t just vote on behalf of their constituents, but on behalf of the entire nation, on extremely serious legislation. If the Trump administration wins the midterm, or gains enough Democratic votes on their agenda, what follows could echo the DOGE purges and gutting of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In spite of all this, there are candidates in other races across the country who are standing up for their constituents in brave and exciting ways. As the midterm approaches, it becomes all the more important to stay informed, stay strong within your community, and stay optimistic. No matter what happens in November, you are still you, and no administration has the right to deny you your identity.
Photo courtesy of NBC News
