This Controversial 2026 Election Debate on Trans Rights in Maine Could Change Everything – Are You Prepared?

In the wake of Republicans losing critical races in 2025 after campaigning on restricting transgender rights, former Maine Governor Paul LePage is doubling down on anti-trans messaging as he prepares for his campaign for the U.S. House seat currently held by retiring Rep. Jared Golden. LePage has called for a petition aimed at placing a measure on the ballot that would require the separation of sports teams, locker rooms, and bathrooms in schools based on biological sex. This means that transgender students would be required to compete or use facilities aligned with the sex they were assigned at birth.

LePage’s campaign strategy includes an aggressive stance against transgender athletes participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity. His strategist, Brent Littlefield, stated, “The Governor supports efforts to protect the integrity of girls’ sports teams and keep them safe from harm,” emphasizing that he believes “no biological males [should] compete in girls’ sports.”

This position reflects a broader trend among Republicans nationwide, who have ramped up their anti-trans messaging in recent elections. In Virginia, for instance, Republicans allocated 57% of their paid media to anti-trans advertisements. The debate surrounding transgender girls' participation in girls' sports has been contentious in Maine, particularly after the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against the state in April over its policies regarding transgender athletes.

However, the 2025 elections suggested that anti-trans policies are not a surefire political strategy for the Republican Party. “Mainers are worried about healthcare and the cost of living,” said Harry Burke, campaign manager for Democratic candidate Matt Dunlap. “This is a manufactured issue from Republicans. Paul LePage is only trying to distract from the fact that he cut healthcare for working-class people so he could afford to give massive tax breaks to rich people.”

Democratic candidate Jordan Wood took a firmer stance against LePage's petition, stating, “This referendum targets transgender kids and takes Maine backwards. Our laws already protect students from discrimination, and we should be upholding those protections — not rolling them back.” Wood emphasized that Maine families are looking for leaders focused on pressing issues like healthcare and childcare rather than divisive political tactics.

While LePage’s petition has garnered support from some Republicans, including Sen. Susan Collins, her approach differs. Collins signed the petition on November 23, citing Title IX as her reasoning, saying it creates opportunities for girls and women in sports. However, her spokesperson noted that Collins “will not be involved in the state referendum campaign” due to her federal position.

In contrast, Graham Platner, another Democratic candidate for the Senate, expressed his opposition to the petition, arguing that banning transgender individuals from competing in sports aligned with their identity is a violation of their rights. “I do not think they should be banned. I think banning people from playing in sports in the gender that they see themselves as and identify as, doing that in a wholesale way is going to be restrictive of people’s rights,” he stated.

As the potential referendum approaches, even Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills has remained reticent, not publicly commenting on the petition. However, she has previously indicated that the question of transgender girls in women’s sports warrants careful consideration. Mills criticized Trump's executive order prohibiting trans women from competing in women's sports, arguing that such significant changes should occur through legislative discussion rather than executive orders.

Political science expert Mark Brewer noted that while Mills has defended the Maine Human Rights Act, she has not explicitly stated her position on the matter. Brewer predicted that candidates would need to clarify their stances as the issue gains prominence.

So far, the petition has reportedly gathered over 70,000 signatures, surpassing the 68,000 needed by February to qualify for the November 2026 ballot. Heidi Sampson, a spokesperson for the petition campaign, expressed confidence in reaching the required signatures.

Advocacy groups such as MaineTransNet and EqualityMaine are closely monitoring candidates’ responses to the petition. “Keeping tabs on who is speaking up, and in what ways, as well as who remains silent, will be something to watch closely from a potential policy perspective,” said Kris Pitts, executive director of MaineTransNet.

Gia Drew, executive director of EqualityMaine, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the silence from Democrats doesn’t necessarily imply opposition to the initiative. “I would imagine if the group gets the required signatures in February, then we’ll see and hear from other lawmakers,” she said. “I would hope no one wants to roll back twenty years of Maine law and make schools less safe and welcoming to all kids.”

The shifting political landscape in Maine suggests that while LePage may be leveraging anti-trans sentiment for his campaign, the broader concerns of voters—such as healthcare and economic stability—may ultimately dictate the outcomes in the upcoming elections.