It's A Numbers Game with Ryan Girdusky It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Maine’s Ballot Fight, Women’s Sports & 2026 Election Shakeup
Mar 27, 2026
Steve Robinson, investigative journalist and filmmaker covering Maine politics, joins to unpack the ballot fight over women’s sports and gender policy. Short, sharp takes on the ballot’s origins, athlete stories that fueled the debate, and why polling points toward a strong outcome. Also a tour of Maine’s high-stakes races, campaign dynamics, and which contests to watch heading into 2026.
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Small State Losses Signal A Broader Democratic Wave
- Recent red-state special election losses show a real Democratic enthusiasm wave even where Republicans previously felt safe.
- Ryan noted GOP swings in multiple Trump states and warned state legislative special elections cumulatively matter for momentum.
Run Local Candidates And Court Independents
- Do not take local seats for granted; recruit candidates who live in the district and engage independents.
- Ryan cited Florida examples where GOP candidates lived outside districts and independents broke heavily for Democrats.
Public Opinion Is Firm On Sex Based Protections
- Nationwide polling shows consistent majorities oppose boys competing in girls' sports and oppose medical interventions for minors.
- Ryan and the Searchlight Institute's 34,000-person multiwave study repeatedly found support for sex-separated bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports while rejecting hormone blockers and surgeries for children.