Former Senator Tester Joins Chorus of Voices Questioning Trans Athlete Inclusion

Former Montana Senator Jon Tester, after losing his re-election bid in 2024, has entered the ongoing national conversation surrounding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. In a recent appearance on HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher,” Tester voiced his agreement with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s assessment that allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s and girls’ sports presents a fundamental issue of fairness.

"In that statement, Gavin Newsom is 100% correct," Tester declared. "We’re talking about a very, very, very small amount of people who, by the way, men shouldn’t be playing in women’s sports. It’s a bunch of crap."

Tester’s remarks, however, were nuanced. While expressing concern about fairness, he also echoed the sentiment of many Democrats who believe the issue has been disproportionately amplified. "The truth is is that it has been blown way out of proportion," Tester stated. "We’re talking about that and Congress is acting on that, instead of acting on the issues that impact Americans."

This viewpoint highlights a central tension within the Democratic party, as many grapple with balancing concerns about inclusivity and fairness alongside what they perceive as more pressing legislative priorities. The former senator’s position underscores the complexities of the issue and the diverse range of opinions within the political landscape.

Tester’s comments arrive amidst growing public debate and statistical data indicating shifting perspectives. A recent New York Times/Ipsos survey revealed that a significant majority of Americans, including a substantial portion of Democrats, are skeptical about allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. The survey found that 79% of respondents believed that biological males who identify as women should not be permitted to participate in women’s sports. Among those identifying as Democrats or leaning Democrat, 67% shared this view.

Furthermore, a national exit poll conducted by the Concerned Women for America legislative action committee found that 70% of moderate voters considered Donald Trump’s stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports and bathroom access to be an important issue. Six percent viewed it as the single most important issue, while 44% deemed it "very important." These figures suggest the topic resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, influencing voter behavior and political discourse.

Tester’s loss to former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy in Montana, a state with a strong Republican leaning in presidential elections, raises questions about the role of social issues in shaping election outcomes. While it is difficult to isolate any single factor, the debate surrounding transgender athletes may have contributed to the shift in voter sentiment.

Despite the growing chorus of voices expressing reservations, including figures like Tester and Newsom, the approach to addressing the issue remains a point of contention. Both politicians, while acknowledging potential unfairness, have raised alternative reasons for not supporting Republican-led legislation.

Tester argued that the issue doesn’t significantly "impact Americans," while Newsom cited concerns about the vulnerability of the transgender population. "So, that’s easy to call out the unfairness of that," Newsom said on his podcast, referring to trans inclusion. "There’s also a humility and a grace . . . these poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression, and the way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with as well. So, both things I can hold in my hand. How can we address this issue with the kind of decency that I think, you know, is inherent in you, but not always expressed on the issue?"

Newsom’s remarks highlight the delicate balance between addressing concerns about fairness and demonstrating sensitivity towards a community facing significant challenges. His position underscores the need for nuanced solutions that consider both the competitive integrity of women’s sports and the well-being of transgender individuals.

President Donald Trump previously signed an executive order to ban trans athletes in women’s and girls’ sports, but many states, including California, have not complied. The recent Senate vote, where Democrats nearly unanimously blocked the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, further illustrates the partisan divide on the issue. The proposed law aimed to establish a stricter precedent for excluding trans athletes from women’s sports. The filibuster prevented the bill from reaching Trump’s desk, signaling continued resistance from Democratic lawmakers.

The debate surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports is likely to persist, demanding careful consideration of diverse perspectives and potential solutions. Tester’s recent remarks, coupled with Newsom’s commentary and the statistical data highlighting public sentiment, paint a complex picture of an issue with no easy answers. Finding common ground and crafting policies that balance fairness, inclusivity, and the well-being of all involved will require continued dialogue and a willingness to address the nuanced concerns on all sides. The political and social ramifications of this debate are significant, and its trajectory will continue to shape the landscape of sports and society.