California Gubernatorial Hopeful Steve Hilton Addresses Trans Athlete Debate

Steve Hilton, leading the Republican race for governor in California, took a firm stance on the issue of transgender athletes in girls’ sports. With primaries approaching, Hilton criticized Democratic contenders for endorsing transgender participation.

AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete, is set to compete for another state championship at Jurupa Valley High School. Hilton targeted Democratic candidates Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra for advocating policies that allow male-to-female transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports.

Earlier in the day, Steyer expressed support for Hernandez, posting a video in which he praised the athlete’s efforts and wished for her success in the upcoming championship.

A press conference titled “Save Girls Sports” took place in Clovis, California, with supporters gathering outside the CIF State Track & Field Championships. Hilton spoke ahead of the conference, critiquing Steyer’s “extreme position” as disconnected from California families.

Hilton also had harsh words for Becerra, labeling him a career politician unwilling to oppose leftist policies detrimental to the state. Hilton outlined his approach to resolving the contentious issue. He plans to repeal AB 1266, the state law permitting transgender athletes in girls’ sports, citing it as a constitutional infringement.

California has become the focal point in the national debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports. The controversy surrounding Hernandez gained attention after her success in past state championships sparked a national discussion.

The situation intensified after incidents with Jurupa Valley’s girls’ volleyball team. Hernandez’s participation led to team forfeitures and a Title IX lawsuit when some teammates objected to sharing a locker room.

The CIF implemented a policy allowing female athletes finishing behind Hernandez to be ranked one position higher. This approach has faced backlash from various groups, even leading to criticism from Hernandez’s mother.

Hilton addressed transgender athletes and their families, emphasizing the importance of honoring personal choices without compromising the majority’s interests. He stressed that minority views shouldn’t impose unfairly on others.

At the Clovis rally, Hilton was accompanied by former NCAA women’s soccer player Sophia Lorey, state superintendent candidate Sonja Shaw, and Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Brown.

The rally was one of two “Save Girls Sports” press events held during Hernandez’s competition this month. As the primaries near, Hilton’s stance aligns with the sentiment of many Californians. A survey by the Public Policy Institute of California revealed that most residents, including public school parents, support the idea of transgender athletes competing based on their birth-assigned sex.