Washington voters back initiative to ban transgender girls from girls’ sports with 57% support
Washington voters approved Initiative 638 with 57% of the vote, banning transgender girls from competing in K-12 girls’ sports and requiring medical verification of sex assigned at birth for all female athletes.
Washington voters approved Initiative 638 with 57% of the vote, banning transgender girls from competing in K-12 girls’ sports and requiring medical verification of sex assigned at birth for all female athletes. The measure passed on November 3, 2026, according to early returns from 33 of 39 counties.
Key numbers
| Stat | Figure | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Votes for Initiative 638 | 57% | 2026-11-03 | Oregon Public Broadcasting |
| Washington students disclosed as transgender to WIAA | 10 | 2026-11-04 | Yahoo News |
| Funding for Let’s Go Washington’s campaign | $7.8 million | 2026-11-04 | PBS NewsHour |
| Funding for opposition campaign in Colorado | $4 million | 2026-11-04 | PBS NewsHour |
What happened
Washington voters approved Initiative 638 on November 3, 2026, with 57% of the vote, making it the first Democratic-led state to ban transgender girls from competing in K-12 girls’ sports. The measure also requires medical verification of sex assigned at birth for all female athletes, including reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or testosterone levels.
The initiative passed despite Washington’s long-standing policy of allowing transgender students to participate in sports aligned with their gender identity. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) reported only 10 students had disclosed being transgender, but the initiative applies to all girls wishing to participate in K-12 sports.Who is affected
The initiative affects all female athletes in Washington’s K-12 public schools, requiring them to undergo medical verification of sex assigned at birth, not just transgender students. School boards will determine how to implement the verification process, which could include physical exams, genetic testing, or hormone level checks.
Transgender students and their families face potential exclusion from girls’ sports, while all female athletes may face additional medical testing requirements. Opponents argue the measure will discourage girls from participating in sports altogether.See the table above for verified figures, including the 57% vote for Initiative 638, the $7.8 million spent by the pro-initiative campaign, and the 10 transgender students disclosed to the WIAA.
What to do next
If Initiative 638 passes, school districts will need to develop rules for sex verification, likely relying on reproductive anatomy, genetic testing, or testosterone levels. The ACLU and state Attorney General Nick Brown have indicated they will challenge the measure in court, arguing it violates discrimination protections.
Parents and students may need to navigate new testing requirements, while opponents plan to push for legal action to overturn the ban.What we know and don’t know
We know Initiative 638 passed with 57% support, the measure’s funding totals, and the number of transgender students disclosed to the WIAA. However, we do not yet know how school districts will implement the verification process or how many girls may choose not to participate in sports due to the new requirements.
The long-term impact on transgender students’ mental health and participation in sports remains unclear, as does the outcome of potential legal challenges.Timeline
- 2026-10-17: Opposition rallies against Initiative 638 in Seattle.
- 2026-11-03: Voters approve Initiative 638 with 57% support.
- 2026-11-04: Early returns confirm the measure’s passage, with 33 of 39 counties reporting.
Why it matters
Initiative 638 signals a shift in national politics, as it is the first Democratic-led state to pass such a ban. It could embolden conservative movements in other states and set a precedent for future restrictions on transgender rights. The measure also highlights the growing divide over LGBTQ+ issues, with opponents warning it could marginalize vulnerable students.
The passage of the initiative may influence upcoming elections, as Republicans could use it as a rallying point, while Democrats may face pressure to address concerns over transgender rights.How much was spent on the campaign
The pro-initiative campaign, Let’s Go Washington, raised and spent $7.8 million to support Initiative 638. In contrast, opposition campaigns in other states, such as Colorado, raised $4 million but have not yet confirmed their spending on Initiative 638.
Who funded the initiative
Brian Heywood, a hedge fund manager and founder of Let’s Go Washington, funded the campaign behind Initiative 638. The group also supported two other ballot measures, including one to repeal Washington’s millionaires tax.
How will the ban be enforced
The initiative requires school boards to create rules for verifying sex assigned at birth, which could include reproductive anatomy checks, genetic testing, or testosterone level measurements. Opponents argue this could lead to invasive medical exams for all female athletes, potentially discouraging participation.
Medical professionals, such as Dr. Libby Loft, have criticized the measure, stating it could impose unnecessary testing and financial burdens on families.- Initiative 638 passed with 57% of the vote, banning transgender girls from K-12 girls’ sports in Washington.
- Medical verification of sex assigned at birth will be required for all female athletes, not just transgender students.
- Legal challenges are expected, with the ACLU and state Attorney General Nick Brown planning to fight the measure in court.
- School districts must develop rules for implementing the verification process, which could include physical exams or genetic testing.
- National implications may arise, as this is the first Democratic-led state to pass such a ban, potentially influencing other states.
Frequently asked questions
What does Initiative 638 ban?
Initiative 638 bans transgender girls from competing in K-12 girls’ sports and requires all female athletes to undergo medical verification of sex assigned at birth, including checks for reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or testosterone levels.
How many transgender students are affected?
Only 10 Washington students have disclosed being transgender to the WIAA, but the initiative applies to all girls wishing to participate in K-12 sports, not just transgender students.
Will this affect cisgender girls?
Yes, the initiative requires all female athletes to undergo medical verification, which could include physical exams or genetic testing, potentially discouraging participation.
What will happen next?
School districts will need to develop rules for implementing the verification process, and legal challenges are expected. The ACLU and state Attorney General Nick Brown have indicated they will fight the measure in court.
Why did Washington voters support this?
Supporters argue the measure is necessary to ensure fairness and competition in girls’ sports, claiming transgender girls have physical advantages. Opponents say it will marginalize transgender students and impose unnecessary medical testing on all female athletes.
Will this impact other states?
Washington’s passage of Initiative 638 could embolden conservative movements in other states, particularly those with Democratic-led governments. It may also influence national debates over transgender rights and sports policies.
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Sources
- Washington voters backing initiative to keep transgender girls out of girls’ sports — yahoo.com, 2026-11-04
- Washington initiative to ban trans students from girls’ sports ahead in early returns — opb.org, 2026-11-04
- Washington passes measure banning trans girls from girl’s sports — missoulacurrent.com, 2026-11-04
- All eyes on WA as voters consider trans athlete initiative — seattletimes.com, 2026-10-25
- Voters in these Democratic strongholds could ban trans girls from girls' school sports — pbs.org, 2026-10-26
- On Election Day, officials urge Washington voters to use drop boxes by 8 p.m. — komonews.com, 2026-11-03