Ken Paxton backs Sophie Cunningham on men in women's sports — and sticks it to the WNBA

Ken Paxton has made it clear which side of the women's sports debate he's on by showing up at a WNBA game with an XX-XY shirt.

The issue of transgender-identifying athletes in women's sports flared up after Indiana Fever star player Sophie Cunningham made a statement opposing biological males competing against women.

'Instead of criticizing her, how about we admire something of great courage, which is what she has accomplished as a young woman.'

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican who's running for the U.S. Senate, showed his support for Cunningham during the Fever's game against the Dallas Wings in Texas on Thursday. The Wings won, 91-85.

He attended with his daughter, and they both wore XX-XY shirts, a brand dedicated to opposing biological males from competing in women's sports.

"We in Texas, we are promoting no boys in girls' sports because it's completely unfair," said Paxton to OutKick outside of the stadium.

He was asked what message he wants to give all Texans about supporting Cunningham's crusade.

"I think instead of criticizing her, how about we admire something of great courage, which is what she has accomplished as a young woman," he added. "Standing up is very difficult. Very few people are willing to do it, and I have a lot of admiration, I know a lot of Texans have a lot of admiration for what she has accomplished at such a young age."

Jennifer Sey, the founder and CEO of XX-XY athletics, thanked Paxton for his support on social media.

Various supporters of the XX-XY cause have said that they were told to cover up their shirts with the brand at games by WNBA officials. In one case, a co-owner of a team berated and cursed at two teens wearing the shirts during a game.

Paxton added that his office was looking at these incidents.

"Look, we’re looking at it," he said. "We want to make sure that they are treated fairly."

RELATED: Black WNBA player blames 'white privilege' after ejection for hitting Sophie Cunningham

When the Fever played in Toronto, the Canadian crowd booed Cunningham relentlessly. She responded by hitting every three-pointer she attempted, and the Fever beat the Toronto team. Afterwards she graciously complimented the fans for their passion.

Paxton is in a close race against Democrat James Talarico for one of two U.S. Senate seats in Texas.