Sarah Trone Garriott, a Democratic candidate for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District, is facing criticism over her past legislative votes on transgender issues, which appear to contradict her current campaign statements. Trone Garriott has stated that she opposes allowing men in women's locker rooms and is focused on parental rights regarding children's safety in schools.
"I’m a mom with two kids in Iowa public schools. Their education and safety literally keep me up at night. So, when my opponent cherry-picks and twists my record, I have to set it straight," Trone Garriott said in a recent campaign video. "I oppose letting men in women’s locker rooms."
However, her voting record in the Iowa Senate has drawn scrutiny from Republican opponents. Critics point to two specific votes cast in 2023: one that prohibited elementary and secondary schools from allowing individuals to enter bathrooms not corresponding with their biological sex, and another bill passed in 2022 that established sports team eligibility rules based on biological sex. Trone Garriott voted against both of these measures.
These votes, according to critics, align with past statements Trone Garriott made where she suggested that policies restricting bathroom access and sports participation were rooted in racial and gender tensions. In an address concerning politics and faith, she stated, "It’s very threatening of the idea of the white, male powerful figure because it muddies the waters and makes things ambiguous and confusing." She further commented on how the concept of "parents' rights" is used to enact bans on books and sports, couched in language about threats to women, with white men being positioned as protectors.
Despite the apparent clash, Trone Garriott's campaign maintains its current stance. "Sarah does not want men in women’s locker rooms. As a parent, there is nothing more important than the safety of our children, that’s why she will always stand up for a parent’s right to decide what’s best for their children," Zach Schenkman, a spokesperson for Trone Garriott, told Fox News Digital.
Trone Garriott also stated in her campaign video that she believes politicians have become too extreme on these issues and that she will always prioritize children and families. Republican strategists have criticized her shift, with a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee calling her past record "insane" and her current messaging disingenuous.
Trone Garriott is challenging incumbent Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, in the 3rd Congressional District. Nunn won his re-election in 2024 with 51.8% of the vote. The general election is scheduled for November 3.