Sophie Cunningham’s comments against the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports sparked a massive nationwide debate on the issue.
The discussion has since taken a political turn, with several major politicians weighing in on the controversy. This has left some fans wondering where Cunningham herself stands politically. So, is she a Republican or a Democrat?
Breaking Down Sophie Cunningham’s Political Affiliation Amid WNBA Controversy
For those wondering about Cunningham’s political affiliation, the Fever star has not aligned herself with either major political party.
In a September 2025 interview with “The New York Times,” Cunningham said, “All I have to say is I really am right in the middle, and I think a lot of America is like that…” She’s made the same point on multiple occasions since.
In an ESPN profile last month, she added, “I’m very much in the middle. I agree with things on both sides, disagree with things on both sides. And that’s all I’ve ever said about my political beliefs. But people love to assume.”
While Cunningham isn’t tied to one party, she has seen support come in from both sides of the aisle.
Republican U.S. Senator Rick Scott entered the conversation following an incident involving Fever fans during Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Dream. He questioned the WNBA’s handling of issues related to the trans-athlete debate and voiced his support for Cunningham.
“First the WNBA can’t define what a woman is, now this? THANK YOU, Sophie Cunningham and all the incredible people standing for the truth: men don’t belong in women’s sports. I’m right there with you!” Scott wrote on X.
Sen. Scott’s comments came after a pair of Cunningham fans were asked to cover their XX-XY Athletics shirts after paying $1,000 each for seats to the Fever-Dream game in Atlanta. Kasey Thomason attended the game with her daughter, Annie, to cheer on Cunningham.
According to their account, they watched most of the game without any problems. However, during overtime, a security guard approached them and asked them to cover up the shirts or face ejection from the arena. They initially objected but eventually covered their shirts so they could remain in the arena and watch the rest of overtime.
Then, there’s Jean Chadbourne. She runs an activist group in California called “Women Are Real.” Her organization helped put together a rally in Seattle backing Cunningham. What makes this notable is that Chadbourne describes herself as a feminist and a lifelong registered Democrat.
“I do not endorse anything else political about Sophie Cunningham, but I respect her,” she said. “As a feminist and lifelong registered Democrat, I have found myself making allyships with women that I disagree with all across the political spectrum,” Chadbourne added, per The Telegraph.
For Cunningham, the situation appears to be less about party politics and more about her desire to protect women’s sports and the locker room.
