California Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Transgender Athletes

As California gears up for the gubernatorial election in 2026, the issue of transgender athletes participating in school sports has become a focal point of contention among candidates. This debate centers around California’s existing law, which mandates that public schools permit students to compete on sports teams that align with their gender identity, irrespective of what is recorded on official documents.

During a series of interviews conducted by CBS News California Investigates in September, candidates articulated their positions on this sensitive topic. Responses varied significantly, reflecting a spectrum of views ranging from outright opposition to full support of current laws.

Candidates’ Perspectives on Transgender Participation

Republican candidate Steve Hilton expressed strong opposition to the inclusion of transgender girls in female sports, arguing it compromises fairness for cisgender girls. “It’s not fair for girls who’ve worked so hard,” he stated, pledging to repeal California’s law. Hilton contended that the legislation creates unnecessary division and violates constitutional protections.

Echoing Hilton’s sentiments, Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, emphasized safety concerns. “Boys should not be competing against girls,” he asserted, insisting that he would prevent any situation where boys could access girls’ locker rooms.

Other candidates, including Leo Zacky, criticized the law as an arbitrary decision made by lawmakers. Zacky maintained that gender is binary and should dictate sports participation: “You’re born a boy, you’re born a girl. That’s it.”

Democratic candidate Stephen J. Cloobeck also called for a reassessment of the law, citing his background in neurobiopsychology to support his view on biological distinctions. He stated, “XX is XX and XY is XY,” suggesting that biological factors should be considered in sports participation.

Support for Inclusion and Compassionate Approaches

Conversely, some candidates championed the rights of transgender athletes. Tony Thurmond, California’s superintendent of public instruction, firmly defended the law. “We are a state that can accept diversity,” he said, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring that transgender athletes can participate in alignment with their gender identity.

Democratic candidate Ian Calderon acknowledged potential athletic advantages for transgender girls in women’s sports but advocated for a compassionate approach. “These are kids… we really have to be compassionate and careful about how we talk about this,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of not alienating transgender individuals.

Candidates like Katie Porter and Xavier Becerra supported the current law while recognizing that decisions about sports participation should be managed by governing bodies rather than politicians. Porter stated, “These are rules that can and should be set by the governing bodies,” while Becerra expressed a commitment to prevent discrimination based on identity.

Notably, Antonio Villaraigosa highlighted distinctions in participation based on biological development. He articulated a belief that transgender women who have undergone puberty should not compete against cisgender women, while still opposing discrimination.

As California approaches the 2026 gubernatorial election, the dialogue surrounding transgender athletes in school sports is set to play a pivotal role in shaping candidates’ platforms. This ongoing debate not only reflects differing political ideologies but also underscores the complexities surrounding inclusion and fairness in sports.

The upcoming election promises to further illuminate these issues, encouraging voters to consider the candidates’ stances on a topic that resonates deeply within the community.