New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate   is facing renewed criticism over her congressional voting record on transgender athletes in women’s sports, an issue that continues to generate controversy nationally and within her home state.

President Donald Trump weighed in on Thursday in a Truth Social post, directly targeting Sherrill’s record.

“Sherrill wants Open Borders (again!), men playing in Women’s Sports, Transgender for everyone, and all of the things that almost DESTROYED America,” Trump wrote.

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Fox News Digital reported that it has contacted Sherrill’s campaign multiple times for clarification on her position but has not received a response.

Sherrill voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act on two separate occasions — once in 2023 when the bill was introduced, and again in February 2025 when it was reintroduced.

She has also co-sponsored the Equality Act and signed on to the Transgender Bill of Rights, which would explicitly “guarantee certain rights for transgender and nonbinary people with respect to public services and accommodations.”

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At the same time, Sherrill has described herself as an “advocate for women’s athletics.”

She previously co-sponsored the Women in NCAA Sports Act with Rep. Maria Salazar (D-FL) and led a resolution awarding tennis legend Billie Jean King the Congressional Gold Medal.

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Her voting record has nonetheless prompted backlash from parents, activists, and political opponents.

Paula Scanlan, a former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who spoke out during the Lia Thomas controversy in 2022, criticized Sherrill on X this week for her stance.

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The New Jersey Republican Party also released a campaign graphic highlighting Sherrill’s record.

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Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli raised the issue earlier in July in a campaign post.

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The debate carries particular weight in New Jersey, home to transgender track and field athlete Sadie Schreiner of Hillsborough.

Schreiner, who previously competed for Rochester Institute of Technology, has been at the center of ongoing disputes about transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Schreiner has gone viral multiple times for videos sharing firsthand experiences as a biological male competing against female athletes.

Schreiner is currently suing Princeton University after being barred from competing in the women’s 200-meter sprint at the Larry Ellis Invitational on May 3.

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The lawsuit claims officials informed Schreiner 15 minutes before the race that participation was not allowed.

The suit argues that Princeton violated the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which includes “gender identity or expression” as a protected status.

Schreiner has also filed a separate lawsuit against SUNY Geneseo after being banned from a women’s race in March.

Polling shows the issue resonates widely with voters across party lines.

A New York Times/Ipsos survey in January found that 79% of Americans oppose allowing biological males who identify as women to compete in women’s sports.

Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning respondents, 67% shared that view. Among Republicans, the number was 94%, and among independents, 64% opposed.

A Gallup poll last year found nearly 70% of Americans opposed males competing in women’s sports.

A national exit poll conducted by Concerned Women for America during the 2024 election reported that 70% of moderate voters viewed Trump’s opposition to transgender athletes in women’s sports as important to them.

Six percent said it was the most important issue, and 44% said it was “very important.”

The Democratic Party itself has seen shifts on the issue. Several leading figures, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Kamala Harris, have adjusted their positions.

In her book 107 Days, Harris acknowledged the concerns of parents and athletes.

“I agree with the concerns expressed by parents and players that we have to take into account biological factors such as muscle mass and unfair student athletic advantage when we determine who plays on which teams, especially in contact sports,” Harris wrote.

The criticism of Sherrill’s voting record is expected to remain a prominent issue in the New Jersey governor’s race as her Republican opponent and others highlight her past opposition to legislation designed to restrict participation of biological males in women’s sports.