(IMAGN) California Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke at Shasta College in Redding on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. Newsom, 57, is among a generation of Democratic politicians under 60 who are seen as the future of the party.
CALIFORNIA – In a recent episode of his new podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” California Governor Gavin Newsom sparked conversations surrounding the contentious issue of trans people playing sports as speculation grows about his potential 2028 presidential run. In a surprising turn, Newsom engaged in a candid dialogue with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump.
During the discussion, Kirk urged Newsom to shift his approach, stating, “Get better ideas, governor. You have an opportunity to like, run to the middle.” Kirk referenced the debate over transgender girls and women competing in high school and college sports, highlighting stories that have stirred national controversy.
Newsom acknowledged the complexity of the issue, calling it “deeply unfair” when athletes whose sex assigned at birth was male compete in female sports. He underscored the importance of fairness in athletics, sharing his personal connection to sports and family, notably mentioning his daughters and his own collegiate athletic experience.
While he noted that there are very few transgender athletes competing at elite levels—citing NCAA President Charlie Baker’s estimate of fewer than ten transgender athletes in college sports among over 510,000 college athletes across the nation—Newsom recognized that public opinion is largely against the Democrats on this issue. “We’re getting crushed on it. Crushed,” he admitted, reflecting the growing concern among Americans about fairness in sports.
A recent Gallup study highlighted that more than 69% of Americans believe athletes should compete on teams corresponding to their sex assigned at birth. This viewpoint has prompted significant political action, evidenced by Senate Democrats’ recent unanimous vote against advancing a bill aimed at restricting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. This bill would have codified a similar executive order enacted by Trump just last month.
