Tom Steyer Supports Transgender Athlete AB Hernandez

Tom Steyer is backing a transgender athlete, AB Hernandez, who is competing in women’s track and field, coinciding with the athlete’s pursuit of a state title.

In a recent video, the California gubernatorial candidate spoke positively about Hernandez during a casual interaction, which also included Hernandez’s mother. In the video, Steyer emphasized the importance of protecting Californians, stating, “It’s the governor’s job to stand between danger and Californians.” He expressed hope for Hernandez’s success at the upcoming state tournament, saying, “I’m so proud of what you’re doing,” and “I’m so proud of you competing.”

Hernandez is a senior at Jurupa Valley High School and is a biological male who secured two girls’ state titles last year, as reported by Sports Illustrated. Hernandez achieved a height of 5 feet, 7 inches in the high jump and a distance of 42 feet, 2.75 inches in the triple jump, while also placing second in the long jump. Following a rule change by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the female athletes behind Hernandez moved up on the podium.

The governor’s role is to protect Californians and keep them safe from harm.

It’s a role I take very seriously, especially when it comes to transgender youth.

Hernandez has qualified to compete again this Saturday at the state finals in Clovis, with CIF continuing its shared podium policy. Steyer shared his video on the same day as the finals event.

Steyer is among several Democrats running in the primary on June 2 to replace retiring Governor Gavin Newsom. In contrast, Republican candidate Steve Hilton attended a Save Girls Sports rally in Clovis the day before the runoff, expressing intentions to overturn a 2013 law that permits students to compete based on their gender identity.