Republicans and Trump Spend $65 Million Attacking Democrats on Transgender Rights Ahead of 2024 Election

Oct 9, 2024, 12:02 PM

Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, are investing heavily in anti-transgender advertisements across the United States, making transgender issues a central focus of their campaigns from Ohio to Montana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, and up to the White House. Since August 1, more than $65 million has been spent on television ads attacking Democrats for supporting transgender rights. GOP strategists view this as a potent third leg of their 2024 messaging strategy. While anti-trans ads did not yield significant results in 2022, Republicans believe that this time the approach will resonate differently with voters. The explosion of GOP ads spans from Trump's campaign to Senate races, prompting debates on whether this strategy captures concerns about the cultural left or reflects desperation over other issues not gaining traction. Democrats remain skeptical that voters will prioritize trans rights at the polls, and it remains uncertain whether people will vote on this issue.