Concord Ledger

The head of the League of American Voters (LAW) said U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH-1) vote against a bill to prohibit boys from competing in girls sports shows Pappas prioritizes “extremism over common sense.”

“Overwhelming supermajorities of sensible Americans recognize that we must protect girls’ sports,” said Steve Cortes, president and founder of LAW. “President Trump promises to end sex-confusion madness, like boys and men invading female contests.”

“But Rep. Pappas actually voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, showing he prioritizes radical extremism over science and common sense.”

Pappas voted against HR 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, which will prohibit biological males from participating in school athletic programs for women and girls.  

The legislation passed the House by a 218 to 206 vote margin and will now proceed to the Senate for consideration. Only two Democrats voted for the bill, and one voted present, while the remaining 212 Democratic members either voted no or did not vote on the measure

A January 2025 New York Times poll found that 79 percent of Americans said that “athletes who were male at birth but who currently identify as female” should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports. Among Democrat voters surveyed, 67 percent agreed. 

Pappas has represented New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District since 2019. He earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 2002. Prior to his election, he served on the New Hampshire Executive Council and co-owns a family restaurant in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he resides.

Cortes is a political advisor and commentator. He previously traded global currencies and interest rates for 25 years for large international hedge funds. He has been an on-air broadcaster for CNBC, Fox News, and CNN. Cortes founded LAW in 2022 to conduct research and develops proposals on public policies impacting American workers and the economy.