Recent polls show a clash between the majority of voters in Maine and Governor Janet Mills (D) regarding the participation of transgender-identifying men in women’s sports.
A survey by Spry Strategies indicated that a significant 52.2% of Maine voters favor adherence to President Trump’s executive order, which upholds men’s sports. The poll was conducted from April 22-25, 2025, and included 500 likely voters, with a margin of error of ±4.4 percentage points.
Furthermore, the findings revealed notable opposition to promoting transgender policies in schools, with 58.3% of voters against teaching K-12 students the notion of being “born in the wrong body.” Almost half, about 49.7%, expressed strong disapproval of this concept.
Also, 68% of voters opposed school counselors advocating transgenderism to students, with a similar percentage against concealing their children’s “gender identity” from parents.
An April poll from the University of New Hampshire Research Center echoed these sentiments, showing that 64% of Maine residents believe boys should not compete in women’s sports. The willingness to support such competition varies significantly: 56% of Democrats, 14% of Independents, and just 1% of Republicans are in favor of boys competing against girls.
Trump’s executive order aims to “keep men out of women’s sports” to protect female student athletes, asserting that they often feel vulnerable in the presence of men. The order also mandates that federal departments assess educational program grants and potentially revoke funding for non-compliance with the policy.
However, Maine officials have resisted Trump’s directives, asserting state laws that allow transgender students to participate in teams aligning with their “gender identity.” This defiance has resulted in investigations, funding issues, and legal disputes.
