California Governor Candidates Clash Over Transgender Sports Rights

UPDATE: As California gears up for the 2026 gubernatorial election, the debate over whether transgender students should compete in school sports based on their gender identity is heating up. This contentious issue has emerged from recent interviews conducted by CBS News California Investigates, revealing starkly different views among the candidates.

The current California law mandates that public schools allow students to participate in sex-segregated sports teams according to their gender identity, regardless of what is recorded at birth. A recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California shows that 65% of Californians support a move to restrict participation based on biological sex, reflecting a deep divide on this issue.

Candidates are vocal about their positions. Chad Bianco, Republican and Riverside County sheriff, stated emphatically, “Boys should not be competing against girls,” highlighting his commitment to fairness in sports. He further asserted, “There will never be an 18-year-old boy walking through a 14-year-old girl’s locker room naked” if he is elected governor.

On the other hand, Democratic candidate Tony Thurmond, California’s superintendent of public instruction, argues passionately for the rights of transgender athletes, stating, “We are a state that can accept diversity, and we will make sure that we follow the law and protect the rights of transgender athletes.”

Steve Hilton, another Republican contender, is set on repealing the current law, claiming it violates sections of the California Constitution. He argued, “It’s not fair for girls who’ve worked so hard,” calling for a reevaluation of the law to avoid “tension and division.”

The candidates’ responses vary significantly. Some, like Katie Porter, firmly support the current law but believe decisions about team participation should be left to sports governing bodies. “These are rules that can and should be set by the governing bodies,” she stated during her interview.

Meanwhile, Ian Calderon, a Democratic candidate and former state assemblymember, acknowledged the potential athletic advantages for transgender girls in girls’ sports but emphasized the need for compassion. “We really have to be careful about how we talk about this,” he said, underscoring the human aspect of the debate.

The discussions are expected to intensify as the election approaches, with candidates likely to refine their positions in light of public opinion. As the political landscape evolves, voters are encouraged to weigh in on this critical issue affecting the rights of transgender youth in California.

With the election date set for November 2026, the urgency for clarity and policy direction on this subject is paramount. Candidates continue to engage with the community, revealing how their views may influence the future of sports participation for transgender students in the state.

Stay tuned for more updates as CBS News California Investigates continues to cover this pivotal issue leading into the election.