A Democratic challenger in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District is facing scrutiny after changing her stance on conversion therapy, a move that has drawn criticism from progressive voters and her own campaign team.
The issue resurfaced when the Supreme Court ruled that a state law banning conversion therapy could not be enforced due to free‑speech concerns. Wisconsin enacted a ban in 2022, and the city of Eau Claire prohibited the practice in 2018.
During early primary forums, the candidate declined to support a federal ban, favoring local control over the practice. Later, after backlash, she reversed course, stating that the federal government should prohibit conversion therapy and clarifying that she does not support the practice.
Progressive supporters expressed frustration, arguing that her earlier position failed to protect LGBTQ individuals and questioned her consistency. The candidate responded that she had misunderstood the moderator’s question and reaffirmed her opposition to the therapy.
Her opponent, a former city council president, has consistently denounced conversion therapy and is a key figure in the local ban. The challenger must also defeat a primary opponent positioned further left before confronting the incumbent Republican.
Republican campaign officials have highlighted the reversal as evidence of the challenger’s attempt to balance a left‑leaning base with moderate voters, suggesting uncertainty about her true policy positions.
The campaign emphasizes broader LGBTQ rights, including support for federal protections that would extend civil rights to sexual orientation and gender identity. The candidate also backs a legislative package aimed at expanding these protections nationwide.
The district voted heavily for the former president in 2024, indicating that the challenger must appeal to a significant portion of Republican voters to win the general election. The race remains closely contested, with analysts describing it as a potential toss‑up.
