Protecting girls-only sports from biological males may be popular with the voters, but potential 2028 presidential candidate Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) shows no sign of backing away from his progressive position on the issue.
Not only does he oppose legislation that would ban boys from participating in girls’ sports in Pennsylvania, he also labeled legislators who support it “extremist politicians.”
In 2020, Shapiro posted on social media that “Trans women are women,” declaring his belief that people can change their biological sex—a stance rejected by a majority of American voters, not to mention another potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, Rahm Emanuel.
Last week, Shapiro once again took aim at the girls-only sports legislation, which passed the state Senate but is currently being blocked by Democrats in the House.
“What we do not need in Pennsylvania are politicians—extremist politicians like Donald Trump, Doug Mastriano, and these others—trying to legislate a student’s participation and legislate the restriction on freedom,” Shapiro said. “The way they’ve tried to do on many other things, like on abortion rights or marriage equality.”
Five Senate Democrats crossed the aisle in May to help pass the bipartisan Protect Girls and Women in Sports Act. In the House, Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) has prevented the bill from coming up for a vote, reportedly fearing that some of her own members might also break ranks with the party and support the popular legislation.
Republicans believe McClinton is shielding Shapiro from having to either sign or veto a bill on an issue that hurt Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. And while Shapiro has attacked the pro-girls-sports bill, he has been careful not to pledge a veto.
Republicans aren’t letting the governor off the hook, pointing out that he’s at odds with members of his own party.
“So, if five Democrat senators voted for the bill, are they ‘extremists’ too, Gov? You’re not on the fence—you’re hiding. Time to tell women and families across PA where you really stand. Or is this your final answer?” said Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) on X.
“As the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 9, the Save Women’s Sports Act, I’m proud to be ‘an extremist,’” said Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair) on X.
Local Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery) co-sponsored the bill as well.
“This is solely about fairness and opportunity,” Pennycuick said. “As a legislator and a parent, I believe that by maintaining separate, sex-specific teams, we can protect athletic opportunities for women while upholding the intent of Title IX.
“Unfortunately, when a biological male replaces a female athlete, that individual is denied the right to equal participation as guaranteed under Title IX. Keeping a level playing field for girls and women who compete in sports and ensuring a fair opportunity for these terrific athletes is not an extreme position.”
The Pennsylvania Senate Republican Campaign Committee (SRCC) also took aim at Shapiro, noting that his “extremist” remark came during a Lewistown press conference where a reporter asked about a Philadelphia union leader who had issued threats against his potential 2026 opponent, Treasurer Stacy Garrity, should she run for governor.
“Josh Shapiro has a long record of failing to stand up for women. But with his (July 22) comments, he’s now actively standing against them,” said SRCC Executive Director Cody Harbaugh. “The governor’s failure to condemn Boyer’s intimidation is just plain wrong. And now Shapiro calling 75 percent of the public who support safety and fairness in women’s sports ‘extremists’ is bold rhetoric from someone with his track record. Senate Bill 9 is commonsense, bipartisan reform. What’s extreme is Josh Shapiro’s inability to stand up for women. He has shown the people of Pennsylvania his true colors.”
“It’s clear that Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton is trying to shield the governor from the will of the vast majority of Americans by blocking SB 9 from being voted on,” added SRCC Communications Director Michael Straw. “This is commonsense, bipartisan reform. What’s extreme is Gov. Shapiro and Speaker McClinton’s inaction and inability to stand up for women in our commonwealth.”