Tom Steyer said on a podcast that he supports transgender students competing in high school sports, arguing that excluding them could worsen serious mental-health risks. He repeated his remarks to CBS Los Angeles and condemned what he called a politically motivated effort to demonize vulnerable people. Other Democratic candidates offered a range of responses—from full inclusion to concerns about fairness—while some Republicans favor overturning rules that allow participation based on gender identity.
Tom Steyer Defends Transgender Students’ Right To Compete In High School Sports As California Governor’s Race Intensifies
Tom Steyer goes all in on trans athletes in high school as he runs for governor.(Getty Images)
California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer told the "I've Had It" podcast host Jennifer Welch that he supports transgender students participating in high school athletics, arguing that excluding them would deepen emotional and mental-health struggles many already face.
I’m totally in favor of trans athletes in high school. When you understand the vulnerability, the stress, the danger of being a trans kid — and you understand almost half of them try to commit suicide — then you think, 'We’re gonna punish those kids, we’re gonna cut them off from team sport.' It’s like, no we’re not.
Steyer reiterated his position in remarks to CBS Los Angeles and criticized opponents for what he described as a politically motivated effort to demonize and victimize transgender people. He emphasized compassion for young people who feel rejected and said the debate should not be used to score political points against already vulnerable populations.
Where This Fits In The Governor’s Race
Steyer’s comments come as a crowded field of Democrats prepares to vie for the governorship when Gov. Gavin Newsom’s term ends. Other Democratic contenders include former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, former State Controller Betty Yee and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
Democratic candidates Antonio Villaraigosa, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra and Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco participate in a California gubernatorial debate at East Los Angeles College Auditorium in Monterey Park, Calif., on May 5, ahead of the June 2 primary elections.
Responses from other Democrats varied. Porter said youth sports should emphasize character building and teamwork rather than serving as a zero-sum competition. Becerra pointed to state law that allows students to participate based on gender identity and urged continued legal protections for identified groups. Mahan warned against using the issue as a political lightning rod but acknowledged scenarios — for example, a biological male competing against his daughter — that could feel unfair and deserve consideration. Villaraigosa called the debate largely a non-issue while expressing a personal view that biological males who have undergone puberty should not compete in women’s sports. Yee emphasized finding ways to preserve both fairness and inclusion, and Thurmond expressed clearer support for transgender participation.
On the other side of the aisle, Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco have voiced support for overturning current state rules that allow students to compete according to gender identity.
Policy And Public Context
California currently has policies that permit students to participate in school activities consistent with their gender identity. The debate reflects broader national conversations about balancing inclusion, competitive fairness, and the mental-health needs of transgender youth. Steyer framed his stance primarily as a matter of protecting vulnerable young people from further stigma and isolation.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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