Transgender restrictions pass in Colorado and beyond despite Democratic wave
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Democrats dominated the midterms, but conservatives found a winning issue even in blue states: restricting transgender rights.
Why it matters: The victories carry significant consequences for transgender youth and illuminate a possible path for out-of-power conservatives in Democratic-led states.
State of play: Voters in four states approved measures restricting transgender students from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identity.
- In Colorado, 52% of voters supported Proposition 134, requiring K-12 schools and college athletic teams to be designated male, female or coed and generally tying eligibility to sex designated at birth rather than gender identity.
Zoom out: In Washington, 57% backed Initiative 638, barring transgender girls from female school sports and requiring athletes on female teams to submit health care documentation to prove their sex.
- In Arizona, 59% endorsed Proposition 318 to expand existing sex-based sports restrictions to private schools and athletic associations, and to limit access to bathrooms, locker rooms and other private spaces.
- In Nebraska, where existing law prohibits biological male students from female-designated teams, 68% approved Measure 442 to put the ban in the state Constitution.
Colorado voters also approved Proposition 135, banning certain gender-affirming surgeries for minors. Such procedures are rare among people younger than age 18.
Yes, but: Missouri voters rejected Amendment 3, which combined restrictions on gender-transition care for minors with an abortion ban.
What they're saying: "We know that many voters still are uninformed and unprepared to make decisions about our trans siblings," said National LGBTQ Task Force president Kierra Johnson.
- Voters "were bombarded by negative media and misinformation-filled ads about trans people."
The big picture: More than half of states restrict transgender students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
- President Trump signed an executive order in 2025 titled "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" to give federal agencies the authority to police schools that receive federal money.
- A 2025 Gallup poll found 69% of U.S. adults support prohibitions on transgender athletes when it comes to sports teams.
What we're watching: Colorado's Gov.-elect Phil Weiser, a Democrat and the current attorney general, said state lawmakers should tweak the law banning trans students from certain athletic teams, particularly to eliminate gender checks.
- He's worried the propositions are too invasive for students.
- "We're going to have to take a look at these anti-trans measures and what adjustments are necessary and appropriate," Weiser told reporters a day after the election.
The other side: Erin Lee, who leads Protect Kids Colorado, which promoted Props. 134 and 135, told Axios that Weiser "doesn't get to undermine the same democratic process that elected him."
- "Protecting kids isn't really a Democratic or Republican issue; it's really just common sense.