California Republican frontrunner Steve Hilton intensified his stance on preserving girls’ sports by challenging Democratic opponents who support trans athletes. This development came as primaries approach in five days.
One focal point of the controversy is trans athlete AB Hernandez from Jurupa Valley High School, competing for the state championship. Hilton criticized Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra for backing male participation in girls’ sports.
Tom Steyer recently shared a video with Hernandez, expressing his admiration and wishing success in the girls’ championships. On May 29, 2026, supporters gathered at the 2026 CIF State Track & Field Championships in Clovis, California, for a ‘Save Girls’ Sports’ press conference.
“Tom Steyer holds an extreme view on this issue, disconnected from most California families,” Hilton told Fox News Digital at the rally.
Hilton also criticized Xavier Becerra, labeling him a traditional career politician unlikely to oppose the far left’s influence.
Hilton outlined plans if elected governor, including challenging the 2013 law AB 1266, which he argues violates the California state constitution. He aims to suspend the law during legal proceedings to overturn it.
California has been a focal point in the national debate over trans athletes in girls’ sports. Hernandez’s participation has been controversial, particularly after winning state titles the previous year. More controversies arose when Jurupa Valley’s girls’ volleyball team faced disruptions, resulting in a Title IX lawsuit from former teammates.
Currently, Hernandez leads in track and field, amplifying the debate. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) now implements a policy raising female athletes’ placements who finish behind Hernandez. This policy applies to the upcoming state finals.
Despite ongoing criticism, Hilton conveyed respect for individual choices but emphasized the need to address the broader impact on the majority.
“People’s rights must be protected, but not at the cost of the vast majority,” Hilton stated.
Hilton’s rally featured speeches from former NCAA women’s soccer player Sophia Lorey, California state superintendent candidate Sonja Shaw, and Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Brown.
With the primaries nearing, Hilton’s position aligns with the majority view among Californians. A Public Policy Institute of California survey shows 65% of residents and 71% of public school parents favor transgender athletes competing based on their birth-assigned sex.