California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, has taken a stance that may surprise many within his party. During an extended conversation with conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the inaugural episode of his podcast, Newsom openly opposed allowing transgender women and girls to compete in female sports. This statement marks a significant departure from the progressive stance he has typically supported, sparking widespread debate across political and social circles.
Newsom’s Statement on Transgender Athletes
A Shift in Perspective?
Newsom, who has long championed LGBTQ+ rights, described his concerns about fairness in women’s sports. Speaking with Kirk, he stated, “I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness—it’s deeply unfair.”
The governor, who played varsity baseball in college, reinforced his stance by highlighting the importance of preserving fair competition in sports. “I revere sports. So, the issue of fairness is completely legit,” Newsom emphasized.
Political Implications of Newsom’s Stance
His comments arrive in the wake of the 2024 election, which saw Donald Trump return to the White House and Republicans regain control of both congressional chambers. The Democratic Party has been grappling with cultural and social issues, including transgender participation in sports, and Newsom’s stance reflects internal debates about electoral strategies and policy priorities.
Public Opinion on Trans Athletes in Sports
Polling data suggests that most Americans, including a majority of Democrats, do not support allowing transgender women to compete in female sports. According to a January 2024 New York Times/Ipsos poll, approximately 70% of Democrats opposed transgender female athletes participating in women’s sports. Similarly, a 2023 Gallup poll found Democrats were divided on whether transgender individuals should play on teams aligning with their gender identity.
Concerns from LGBTQ+ Advocates
Newsom’s remarks drew sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and fellow Democratic lawmakers. California Assemblyman Chris Ward and state Sen. Carolina Menjivar—leaders of the state’s LGBTQ+ legislative caucus—expressed deep disappointment, stating, “We woke up profoundly sickened and frustrated by these remarks.”
Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, also condemned Newsom’s comments, saying they added to the “heartbreak and fear” felt by the transgender community amid increasing political attacks on their rights.
California’s Existing Laws on Transgender Athletes
California law mandates that schools must allow transgender athletes to compete according to their gender identity. This policy was established before Newsom’s tenure as governor. In 2024, Republican lawmakers introduced bills aiming to reverse this policy, though their success remains unlikely due to the Democratic majority in the state legislature. Notably, Newsom has not weighed in on these legislative proposals.
National Context and Trump’s Role in the Debate
Donald Trump has positioned transgender participation in sports as a pivotal cultural issue. Throughout his 2024 campaign, he promised to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports and pledged to “keep men out of women’s sports.”
Trump’s administration has since taken steps to withhold federal funding from schools that permit transgender athletes to compete in female sports. Additionally, the NCAA recently adjusted its policies, restricting women’s sporting events to athletes assigned female at birth, a move that Trump celebrated as a victory.
Newsom’s Attempt to Balance Fairness and Inclusion
Addressing Mental Health Concerns
Although Newsom stood firm on his fairness argument, he also acknowledged the struggles faced by transgender individuals. “There’s also a humility and a grace that these poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression,” he said, calling for respectful discourse on the issue.
Comparing Past Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights
Newsom’s stance on transgender athletes contrasts with his past advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2004, as mayor of San Francisco, he directed the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses—a bold move that preceded the eventual nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.
His current position suggests an evolving perspective, possibly influenced by political pragmatism and the shifting landscape of public opinion.
