California Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Transgender Athletes

As the race for California governor heats up ahead of the 2026 election, the participation of transgender athletes in school sports has become a key issue among candidates. Discussions have intensified around the state’s existing law, which allows transgender students to compete on sports teams that align with their gender identity, regardless of the sex assigned at birth.

In a series of interviews conducted in September by CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts, candidates articulated their views on this contentious topic. The current California law mandates that public schools must permit students to engage in sex-segregated sports and utilize facilities based on their gender identity.

According to a poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California in April 2025, a significant majority of residents support the notion that students should participate in sports teams matching their gender assigned at birth, with 65% of Californians and 71% of public school parents backing such a stance.

The eleven candidates interviewed offered a range of perspectives. Some, like Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate and Riverside County sheriff, firmly opposed allowing transgender girls to compete in girls’ sports. Bianco emphasized concerns about safety, stating, “Boys should not be competing against girls.” He asserted that under his governorship, “There will never be an 18-year-old boy walking through a 14-year-old girl’s locker room naked.”

Conversely, other candidates supported the existing California law. Katie Porter, a Democratic candidate, expressed her commitment to the current regulations while also advocating for the governing bodies of sports to make such decisions, highlighting the need for a clear delineation of responsibilities. “These are rules that can and should be set by the governing bodies,” she said.

Tony Thurmond, California’s superintendent of public instruction, staunchly defended the rights of transgender athletes. He stated, “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.” His remarks underscore the state’s commitment to inclusivity.

The candidates’ stances varied significantly, reflecting the complexity of the issue. Ian Calderon, a former state assemblymember, acknowledged potential athletic advantages for transgender girls in girls’ sports but emphasized the need for compassion in discussing the matter. He remarked, “These are also kids… we really have to be compassionate and careful about how we talk about this.”

On the other hand, Antonio Villaraigosa, a former mayor of Los Angeles, expressed a nuanced view. He argued against allowing transgender women who have gone through puberty to compete in women’s sports but maintained his opposition to discrimination. “I believe in gender-affirming care, but I don’t believe those [trans] athletes should be playing women,” he stated.

Some candidates, including Betty Yee, a former state controller, expressed a desire to learn more about the complexities surrounding the issue. Yee suggested that integrating transgender athletes could involve developing separate leagues to ensure fair competition while still encouraging participation.

The debate over transgender athletes in California schools is emblematic of broader national discussions regarding inclusion and fairness in sports. With the 2026 election on the horizon, the candidates’ positions on this issue may significantly influence their appeal to voters, particularly those with strong opinions on LGBTQ+ rights and sports policies.

The candidates’ varying perspectives reveal not only their individual beliefs but also the challenges that lie ahead in navigating this sensitive topic. As voters prepare for the upcoming election, the question of how best to ensure fair and inclusive practices in school sports remains at the forefront of political discourse in California.