Mary Kaptur releases two anti-transgender ads

Longtime Democratic U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur released two anti-transgender political ads Thursday, just weeks ahead of Ohio’s contentious Nov. 3 election.

Kaptur has represented Ohio’s 9th congressional district since 1983, and has a history of supporting LGBTQ+ civil rights, previously voting in favor of the Equality Act.

The first ad was posted to the social media site X at around 10:30 Thursday morning via an account owned by Medium Buying – a company that offers “ad planning, buying and competitive tracking for political, issue and corporate campaigns.”

In the video, Kaptur speaks directly to voters:

“We’re stuck in another unnecessary war and inflation is making everything more expensive but my opponent won’t talk about all that. He’d rather lie about my record. Well, here’s the truth: I voted with Republicans to keep transgender ideology out of our schools, because parents know what’s best for their kids – and boys should not play in girls sports. Don’t let them change the subject. I’m Marcy Kaptur and I approve this message, because I’m focused on making your life more affordable.”

#OH09: Incumbent Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D) is up on TV with this response spot —

Kaptur to camera:

"We're stuck in another unnecessary war and inflation is making everything worse. But, my opponent won't talk about all that. He'd rather lie about my record"

"Well, here's the… pic.twitter.com/SncdXUndq4
— Medium Buying (@MediumBuying) September 17, 2026

In the second ad, Kaptur speaks to her own record breaking ranks with the Democratic party:

“I’ve repeatedly said no to my own party. No to defunding the police. No to open border policies. And no to teaching gender ideology in schools. I work for you.”

Kaptur’s campaign did not respond to The Buckeye Flame’s request for comment at the time of publication.

In addition to misgendering transgender youth, Kaptur also uses the phrase “transgender ideology” in both ads.

The national LGBTQ+ media monitoring nonprofit GLAAD has called the term an anti-transgender dogwhistle, describing it as “a malicious rhetorical construct that falsely asserts that LGBTQ – notably trans – people are an ideological movement rather than an intrinsic identity.”

In May 2026, Kaptur was one of eight Democrats to break party ranks and vote alongside Republicans to pass House Resolution (HR) 2616, the “Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act” – which requires public school teachers to out LGBTQ+ students to their parents or legal guardians, regardless of suspected anti-LGBTQ+ abuse.

Statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy group Equality Ohio gave Kaptur a “B” on its 2026 Candidate Scorecard earlier this year, citing her support for the Equality Act and generally high ratings from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights nonprofit, and highlighted her vote on HR 2616.

CEO and executive director of Equality Ohio Dwayne Steward told The Buckeye Flame Kaptur’s political strategy will cost her valuable votes.

“Targeting trans people isn’t the winning strategy some people think it is. Ohioans are worried about rising costs, making rent, having food on their table, seeking medical care, and that’s where real leadership should be focused. Real leadership means refusing this culture war bait, not reaching for it,” Steward said.

Trans leaders across the state have also condemned the ad, including TransOhio executive director Dara Adkison.

“Transgender people are not an ideology, we are not an issue, we are human beings who just want to exist with the same rights and dignity as everyone else,” Adkison said. “No elected official regardless of party should be proud of a voting record of bipartisan bigotry, of deciding some Ohioans deserve representation while others dehumanization and hatred.”

David Gedert – who performs in drag under the name Sugar Vermonte and previously ran to represent the Libertarian party for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District – said Kaptur’s comments are an example of the Democratic Party “positioning and preening as a champion of vulnerable communities, only to shove them aside at the first convenient opportunity.”

“The pattern is the pattern, and this one is vicious,” Gedart said. “To my trans brothers and sisters: I’m sorry that you were used as props by the conniving, underhanded political machine.” 🔥

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