rights
Dem gubernatorial candidate defends trans track star targeted by Donald Trump
By John Russell at LGBTQ Nation
· June 1, 2026
· 1 min read
Ahead of this weekend’s California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track & Field Championships, California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer (D) made it clear that he was rooting for a high school athlete who has been the target of relentless anti-trans protests. On Friday, Steyer’s campaign
Why this matters
Tom Steyer's public support for trans track star AB Hernandez highlights the ongoing debate over trans athletes' participation in school sports, a contentious issue that has sparked national attention and anti-trans backlash. The California Interscholastic Federation's policy, which allows trans girls to compete with cisgender girls but bans them from displacing cis girls in final standings, reflects the complexities of balancing inclusivity with competitive fairness. Hernandez's experience, including being targeted by Donald Trump, underscores the high stakes for trans athletes who face not only athletic competition but also intense scrutiny and hostility. As the national conversation around trans rights continues to evolve, Steyer's stance may resonate with LGBTQ+ voters in California, where legal protections and policies vary significantly from other states. The outcome of the gubernatorial election may have implications for the state's approach to supporting trans students and athletes, making this issue a key one to watch in the campaign.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 1, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Ahead of this weekend’s California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track & Field Championships, California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer (D) made it clear that he was rooting for a high school athlete who has been the target of relentless anti-trans protests. On Friday, Steyer’s campaign
When was this published? This article was first published on June 1, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Russell at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .