California Governor Candidate’s Stance on Transgender Athletes

Steve Hilton, a leading Republican candidate for governor of California, has entered the debate over “saving girls’ sports” as the primary approaches. Hilton targeted his Democratic rivals, particularly addressing their support for transgender athletes.

His remarks came just as Jurupa Valley High School trans athlete AB Hernandez prepares for a second consecutive state championship, which has stirred controversy. Hilton criticized Democratic candidates Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra for backing transgender participation in women’s sports.

Earlier that same day, Steyer had shared a video showing his support for Hernandez, expressing pride in his achievements and hope that a transgender athlete would claim the women’s championship.

Hilton expressed his views to Fox News Digital before a rally, saying, “Tom Steyer has taken very extreme positions on this issue that are completely out of touch with the sensibilities of most California families and young people.” He didn’t hold back on Becerra either, labeling him as a “pathetic” politician who represents a corrupt Democratic establishment.

Hilton outlined his plans if elected governor, emphasizing the need to overturn a 2013 law, AB 1266, which he believes is detrimental and unconstitutional. “We will immediately suspend this law and begin legal proceedings to overturn it,” he declared.

The situation surrounding Hernandez escalated after he won two girls’ state titles last year, placing California at the center of the national debate on transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports. The controversy deepened with complaints from opposing teams and a Title IX lawsuit against the district, emphasizing the tensions around Hernandez’s participation.

As the conversation continues, Hilton reached out to transgender athletes and their families, communicating a balance he believes should be struck. “I absolutely respect people’s right to live their lives the way they want… but not in a way that hurts the majority,” he stated.

At a recent rally, Hilton, accompanied by figures such as former NCAA soccer player Sophia Lowry and Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Brown, conveyed a message about the rights of the majority versus those of a minority.

According to a Public Policy Institute of California poll, a significant portion of Californians, around 65%, supports the idea that transgender athletes should compete based on the gender assigned at birth rather than their gender identity. With the primary closing in, Hilton seems to align with popular opinion on these issues, contrasting with the views of Steyer, who appears to represent a smaller faction.