California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer defended allowing transgender athletes to compete in high school sports during a podcast appearance, directly contradicting widespread public opposition to such policies following the 2024 election cycle.

Billionaire Candidate Makes Controversial Statement

During an interview on the “I’ve Had It” podcast posted Sunday, Steyer declared his full support for transgender participation in high school athletics. The liberal billionaire businessman cited mental health concerns among transgender youth as justification for his position. “I’m totally in favor of trans athletes in high school,” Steyer told podcast host Jennifer Welch. “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.”

Claims Right-Wing Victimization Campaign

Steyer expanded on his position during a separate interview with CBS Los Angeles, characterizing opposition to transgender athletes as a politically motivated attack. “To be clear, this is not some huge epidemic,” Steyer stated. “This is a right-wing attempt to victimize and villainize already vulnerable and desperate people.” The candidate emphasized his sympathy for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria, referencing the same suicide statistics he cited in the podcast interview. Steyer joins a crowded field of Democratic candidates competing to maintain party control of California’s governorship after incumbent Gavin Newsom’s term concludes.

Policy Position Contradicts Voter Sentiment

The 2024 election cycle demonstrated clear public opposition to both transgender participation in youth sports and gender transition procedures for minors. Multiple states have enacted legislation restricting such practices, reflecting constituent preferences on these issues. Steyer’s unequivocal support for transgender athletes in high school represents a departure from the electoral lessons other candidates have drawn from recent voting patterns. The candidate made his remarks while seated in front of signage advocating to “tax billionaires,” an ironic backdrop given Steyer’s own substantial wealth accumulated through investment management. Critics note that wealthy individuals can voluntarily contribute additional funds to government treasuries without requiring tax law changes.

California Governor’s Race Takes Shape

Multiple Democrats are positioning themselves to succeed Newsom as California’s chief executive. The governor’s race will test whether progressive positions on social issues remain viable in a state that has traditionally supported Democratic candidates by wide margins. Steyer’s campaign represents his continued involvement in California politics following previous unsuccessful bids for federal office. His stance on transgender athletes establishes a clear marker in the Democratic primary field on one of the nation’s most contentious cultural issues.