Dems split as California Governor Gavin Newsom calls trans athletes in women’s sports ‘unfair’

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat and potential 2028 presidential candidate, broke from his party’s traditional stance by criticising transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Speaking on his new podcast, This is Gavin Newsom, the governor called it a “fairness issue” and agreed with conservative activist Charlie Kirk that allowing biological men in women's sports is “deeply unfair.”
“The young man who's about to win the state championship in the long jump in female sports, that shouldn't happen,” Kirk said. In response, Newsom stated, “I completely agree with you on that. It’s deeply unfair.”

His remarks mark a shift for the longtime LGBTQ rights advocate, who previously championed progressive policies, including signing laws expanding transgender rights. While he didn’t directly address the recent victory of a transgender athlete in a California high school competition, Newsom reiterated that fairness should be prioritised.
Newsom also acknowledged the political risks for Democrats, admitting, “We’re getting crushed on it. Crushed. Crushed.” His comments come as Senate Democrats recently blocked a GOP-led bill that sought to bar transgender athletes from competing in federally funded women’s sports.
Newsom’s stance sparked backlash from LGBTQ advocates, with the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus criticising his remarks, stating, “All students deserve the academic and health benefits of sports activity.” Meanwhile, Republicans seized on his comments as evidence of a political recalibration within the Democratic Party.