Masculinity in Politics: Democrats Navigate Gender Dynamics in Key Races

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The upcoming midterm elections are set to be influenced by a variety of critical issues, including the Iran war, tariffs, inflation, immigration, taxes, and health care. However, an underlying theme that could sway several key races and the balance of Congress is the concept of masculinity.

This focus on masculinity in politics is a continuation of the tough-guy approach popularized by Donald Trump over a decade ago. Trump’s style of belittling opponents and emphasizing a certain form of masculinity played a significant role in his presidential campaigns.

Now, many Democratic candidates are attempting to assert their own versions of masculinity or at least to more confidently counter conservative attacks as they aim to regain political power. Democratic voters seek a candidate who will fight, noted Beth Reingold, an Emory University professor specializing in gender and politics. This is perceived as a masculine demand, a more masculine approach, particularly in response to Trump.

In Michigan, Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has accused his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, of exhibiting “beta energy” during debates about their high school football experiences. Meanwhile, in Texas, Republicans have mocked Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico with the label “Low T Talarico,” a reference to testosterone levels.

Talarico, who is 37 and running against 63-year-old Ken Paxton, dismissed the insult, stating that men his age are not concerned with such matters. Reingold observed that while gender debates typically focus on how women candidates present themselves, this election sees an increased incentive for male candidates to emphasize their masculinity.

The strategy of projecting vigor and concealing weakness is not new in U.S. politics. Historical figures like Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan all employed similar tactics. Trump, however, took a more aggressive approach, using mocking nicknames against opponents and even discussing personal attributes during debates.

In the 2024 Republican National Convention, Trump’s entrance was marked by James Brown’s it is a Man’s Man’s Man’s World, following a rally incident where he was shot but continued to rally supporters. This event bolstered his support among male voters, increasing from 51% in 2020 to 55% in 2024, according to AP VoteCast.

Rogers has recently launched a campaign ad accusing Democrats of wanting to allow men in women’s sports, while criticizing El-Sayed’s liberal stance. El-Sayed responded on social media, highlighting his own high school sports captaincy and questioning Rogers’ leadership abilities.

El-Sayed often campaigns in athletic attire and shares videos of himself engaging in various activities, yet he also challenges conservative notions of masculinity. Being a man is not about how you appear in the gym, he told Lever News. it is about how you support your family and community.

In Texas, the discussion around masculinity intensified after Talarico secured the Democratic Senate nomination. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz questioned Talarico’s masculinity on Fox News, and a pro-Paxton political action committee released an ad linking Talarico to transgender politics.

Joshua Blank, research director for the Texas Political Project at the University of Texas at Austin, explained that such personal attacks are not just about the candidate but also about aligning them with nontraditional views on gender roles and identities. Talarico, however, focuses on issues like affordable groceries, insurance, and gas, arguing that these are the real concerns of Texans.

He also redefines masculinity by sharing stories of his adoptive father’s community service and using the topic to address corruption allegations against Paxton. A real man takes responsibility and serves others, Talarico asserts on the campaign trail.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)