Steve Hilton, a leading Republican candidate for California governor, has entered the debate to “Save Girls Sports.” With the primary elections only five days away, Hilton criticized Democratic opponents for supporting transgender athletes. AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School, is poised to compete for a state championship for the second time. Hilton condemned Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra for supporting male participation in girls’ sports.
On Friday, Tom Steyer praised Hernandez in a video, expressing pride and wishing success in the girls’ championships. Supporters gathered outside the 2026 CIF State Track & Field Championships for a “Save Girls’ Sports” press conference in Clovis, California. Hilton described Steyer’s position as extreme and out of touch with California families and young people.
Steyer also criticized Xavier Becerra, another Democratic frontrunner, who has shown some support for transgender athletes but has been less vocal recently. Hilton labeled Becerra a longtime career politician and criticized him for not opposing the Democratic establishment.
Hilton outlined his plan to address the transgender athlete issue if elected governor. He intends to overturn AB 1266, a 2013 law that he claims violates the California state constitution. He plans to suspend the law and begin legal proceedings to repeal it.
California has been a focal point in the national debate on transgender athletes in women’s sports. Controversies involving Hernandez have brought the issue to the forefront. Hernandez has faced challenges, including a Title IX lawsuit related to a volleyball team controversy at Jurupa Valley.
The CIF has introduced a policy allowing female athletes finishing behind Hernandez to rank one position higher, leading to shared podium spots in recent tournaments. This policy has faced criticism from all sides, including Hernandez’s mother.
Hilton addressed transgender athletes and their families, expressing respect for individual rights but emphasizing the need for a fair system that does not disadvantage the majority. He spoke at a “Save Girls Sports” rally, joined by notable sports figures.
A survey by the Public Policy Institute of California found that 65% of Californians and 71% of public-school parents support having transgender athletes compete on teams corresponding to their assigned sex at birth.
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