Steve Hilton Enters Debate on Trans Athletes in Girls’ Sports

California gubernatorial Republican frontrunner Steve Hilton has entered the debate on trans athletes in girls’ sports. He criticized Democratic opponents for supporting trans athletes with only five days left until the primaries. Trans athlete AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley High School is set to compete for a state championship again, prompting Hilton to address the issue.

Hilton spoke against Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra’s support for males in girls’ sports. Earlier on Friday, Steyer posted a video with Hernandez, praising the athlete and expressing hope for Hernandez’s success in the girls’ championships. A ‘Save Girls’ Sports’ press conference took place at the 2026 CIF State Track & Field Championships in Clovis, California.

Hilton criticized Steyer’s position, stating it’s out of touch with California families and young people. He also attacked Becerra, describing him as a career politician who won’t challenge the far-left. Hilton outlined his plans to address the trans athlete issue if elected.

Hilton aims to overturn AB 1266, a law passed in 2013 that supports trans athletes in sports. He claims this law violates the California state constitution and plans to suspend it and initiate legal proceedings to overturn it.

California remains a central point in the national debate over trans athletes in girls’ sports. The controversy involving Hernandez began last year when Hernandez won two state titles. Issues continued when multiple teams forfeited matches against Jurupa Valley’s volleyball team, leading to a Title IX lawsuit against the Jurupa Unified School District.

This year, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) instituted a policy awarding any female athlete finishing behind Hernandez a place higher, leading to shared podium spots. The policy has faced criticism from both supporters and detractors.

Hilton emphasized respecting personal rights but opposed imposing views that harm the majority. His rally in Clovis, California, included former NCAA soccer player Sophia Lorey, state superintendent candidate Sonja Shaw, and Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Brown.

With primaries approaching, Hilton’s stance on the sports issue aligns with the majority. A Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) survey showed around 65% of Californians and 71% of public school parents support trans athletes competing according to their birth sex rather than gender identity.

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