Context:

Tom Steyer publicly supports AB Hernandez, a transgender female-identifying athlete competing in girls’ track, praising Hernandez on a video and linking the governor’s role to protecting residents as Hernandez pursues a state title. Hernandez, a biological male at Jurupa Valley High School, won two girls’ state titles last year and is contending again this season, with the CIF maintaining its podium-sharing rule. The policy and Hernandez’s participation are shaping political debate ahead of California’s June primary, as candidates rally for and against transgender participation in girls’ sports. The outcome could influence broader discussions about sports policy and protections for competitors. momentum remains uncertain as the state meet unfolds and political stances crystallize.

Dive Deeper:

• Steyer posted a video on X praising AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete, and told Hernandez that he wants the governor to shield Californians from harm, calling him proud for competing and his support aligned with protecting residents.

• Hernandez is a senior at Jurupa Valley High School and is labeled a biological male who last year won two girls’ state titles, specifically the high jump at 5 feet 7 inches and the triple jump at 42 feet 2.75 inches, with the long jump placing second.

• After last year’s titles, other female competitors who placed behind Hernandez were moved up a position on the podium due to a CIF rule change regarding podium placement.

• This year Hernandez qualified for the state finals again, which took place in Clovis, where the CIF kept its podium-sharing policy in effect, ensuring Hernandez and female runners shared the top placings as needed.

• The political backdrop includes Democratic Senate contenders and others in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race discussing sports policy, with Steve Hilton opposing Hernandez’s participation and advocating overturning a 2013 law permitting competition based on gender identity.

• Hilton participated in a pro-girls’ sports rally in Clovis nearby the finals, highlighting the ongoing, high-profile national debate about transgender athletes in female competitions.