Steve Hilton rips Steyer for trans athlete support, leads ‘Save Girls Sports’ rally at track title meet Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate for California governor, is actively campaigning against the participation of transgender athletes in girls’ sports, criticizing Democratic opponents Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra for their support. Hilton plans to repeal a 2013 law (AB 1266) that allows transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity, arguing it violates the state constitution and harms the majority of female athletes. The controversy is highlighted by the case of trans athlete AB Hernandez, whose success has sparked debates and legal challenges, including a Title IX lawsuit from former teammates.

• Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Steve Hilton has launched a campaign against transgender athletes participating in girls’ sports.
• Hilton criticizes Democrats Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra for supporting transgender athletes, specifically mentioning AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley High School.
• Hilton vows to overturn California law AB 1266, passed in 2013, which he claims allows males to compete in girls’ sports and violates the state constitution.
• The issue is amplified by controversies surrounding AB Hernandez, including winning state championships and a Title IX lawsuit filed by teammates over locker room access.
• A pilot program by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) adjusts rankings for athletes behind Hernandez, leading to podium sharing.
• Hilton’s stance aligns with a majority of Californians who, according to a survey, believe transgender athletes should compete based on their birth-assigned sex.
• Hilton led a ‘Save Girls Sports’ rally, joined by former athletes and political candidates.