safety
"That's it? That's the joke?": Dem schools GOP group that tried to insult her with anti-trans barb
By Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 22, 2026
· 3 min read
A Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives schooled a group of young Republicans who tried to insult her by implying she looked like transgender actress and influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Jennifer Jenkins, who is running in Florida against the incumbent Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), posted
Key takeaway Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), posted on social media last week to advertise a June 18th town hall, to which she also invited her opponent.
Why this matters
The incident highlights the ongoing trend of conservative groups using anti-trans rhetoric as a political tactic, often to distract from substantive policy discussions. By calling out the Space Coast Young Republicans' behavior, Jennifer Jenkins shifts the focus to the Republican Party's fixation on denigrating trans people, rather than addressing pressing issues like housing costs, insurance, and healthcare. This exchange also underscores the national implications of such rhetoric, as it contributes to a broader culture of hostility towards trans individuals. The fact that a group campaigning for Rep. Mike Haridopolos feels comfortable using such language raises questions about the incumbent's stance on LGBTQ+ issues and his willingness to condemn bigotry. As the election approaches, it will be worth watching how Haridopolos responds to Jenkins' criticism and whether he distances himself from the Space Coast Young Republicans' behavior.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives schooled a group of young Republicans who tried to insult her by implying she looked like transgender actress and influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Jennifer Jenkins, who is running in Florida against the incumbent Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), posted
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .