Veteran Democratic Strategist James Carville Predicts More Democrats Will Speak Out Against Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville believes that more Democrats will soon join California Governor Gavin Newsom in openly criticizing the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Carville, known for his blunt and clear opinions, shared his thoughts during an interview with Fox News Digital, suggesting that many Americans—and even Democrats—are uncomfortable with the idea of biological males competing against women in sports.
Newsom’s Surprising Stand on Transgender Athletes
Earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom surprised many when he spoke against transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. In a podcast chat with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Newsom called it “deeply unfair” for biological males to compete in women’s competitions.
This statement caught attention because it was a shift from the typical Democratic position on the issue. Newsom’s words have sparked discussions across political circles, and now Carville expects others within the party to follow suit.
Carville: “Most Americans Share Newsom’s View”
Carville’s take is simple. He said, “I think that’s a view that most Americans have.” According to him, the majority of people—regardless of political affiliation—feel uneasy about transgender athletes competing against women.
Backing this claim, Carville pointed to a poll conducted by The New York Times in January. The results showed that nearly 80% of Americans oppose biological males competing in women’s sports. Interestingly, 67% of Democrats also expressed opposition, highlighting a clear disconnect between Democratic leaders and their voter base on this issue.
Democrats Facing Backlash for Supporting Transgender Athletes
Carville didn’t shy away from criticizing his own party. He believes Democrats have taken on unnecessary backlash—or, as he put it, “a lot of water”—for standing by an unpopular stance.
He explained that if Democratic leaders truly believe this is an important issue, they need to work on changing public opinion first, rather than pushing for policies that most Americans reject.
“If you think the issue is that important, then you got to convince people,” Carville stated. “Right now the public doesn’t want it. And you’re asking Democrats to do this. And all you’re doing is helping the opposition.”
Will More Democrats Speak Out?
So far, it’s not just Newsom who has voiced concern. Massachusetts Democratic Representative Seth Moulton has also expressed discomfort over the current stance. Carville predicts that more Democrats will soon come forward with similar opinions.
He believes this is simply because the public pressure is too strong to ignore. The overwhelming majority of Americans—both Democrats and Republicans—oppose biological males in women’s sports. Politicians can’t afford to ignore what their voters want.
Senate Democrats Block Bill on Transgender Athletes
Despite growing opposition among Americans, Senate Democrats recently blocked a bill that would ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. This move further highlights the party’s official stance, even though it’s unpopular with voters.
However, Carville doesn’t think the party made the wrong move. He argued that it’s not up to lawmakers to settle such issues.
Carville: Let Athletic Associations Handle It
According to Carville, decisions about athlete eligibility should be left to sports associations—not state governments. He referenced Utah’s Republican Governor, Spencer Cox, who rejected an anti-trans sports bill. Governor Cox pointed out that, out of 100,000 high school athletes in Utah, only four identified as transgender.
Similarly, Carville mentioned that there are around 50,000 women athletes in the NCAA, and maybe six of them are transgender.
“This is not a legislative problem,” Carville stressed. “Let the NCAA figure it out. Let the Olympics deal with it. Let athletic administrators handle their own eligibility rules.”
He added, “I actually used to run track. I watch the NCAA track meet. I never think about it! It doesn’t cross my mind.”
Public Opinion and Political Strategy
Carville’s core message is clear: Politicians should listen to public opinion. If Democrats want to maintain voter trust, they must reconsider their approach or at least open up the conversation.
Pushing an unpopular view without public support could cost them elections and hand ammunition to their opponents.
What’s Next for Democrats?
With major figures like Gavin Newsom and Seth Moulton already speaking out, and polls showing overwhelming opposition, the question now is whether more Democratic leaders will publicly shift their stance.
Carville’s prediction suggests they will.
In the meantime, discussions continue over who should have the authority to set rules for transgender athletes—whether it’s state legislatures, sports organizations, or governing bodies like the NCAA and the Olympics.
One thing is certain: The debate around transgender athletes in women’s sports is not going away anytime soon, and the Democratic Party may have to navigate this issue carefully if they want to stay aligned with public sentiment.
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