Seth Moulton apologizes to transgender community after controversial remarks on girls' sports

During a Democratic Senate primary debate in Massachusetts on August 4, 2026, Rep. Seth Moulton said, “I have two little girls, I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete,” expressing concern about transgender athletes in girls’ sports.

He later issued an apology to the transgender community, reaffirming his support for the Transgender Bill of Rights and the Equality Act, and noting a 100% voting record with the Human Rights Campaign. Incumbent Sen. Ed Markey rebuked Moulton, accusing him of “tossing trans‑identifying kids under the bus” and using a “MAGA playbook.” The exchange was widely shared on social media.