Sarah Trone Garriott faces criticism over transgender voting record

Iowa Democratic State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott is facing criticism from political opponents regarding her voting record on transgender issues. In a recent campaign advertisement, Garriott stated that she opposes “letting men in women’s locker rooms” and argued that parents, rather than politicians, should make decisions for their children.

Republican challenger Zach Nunn and activist Riley Gaines have challenged these claims, pointing to Garriott’s 2023 vote against legislation that would have prohibited men from accessing women’s locker rooms and restricted transgender students from participating in girls’ sports based on biological sex. Nunn’s campaign released an advertisement featuring a young softball player to highlight the perceived lack of fairness in sports, contrasting Garriott’s record with his own stance on protecting girls' athletics.