If Steve Hilton becomes California governor, he says he would demand the state Legislature overturn a law allowing transgender athletes to compete according to gender identity instead of biological sex.

“When I am governor of California, on day one, I will demand that the legislature repeal this cruel, unfair, dangerous law,” Hilton told the media at a news conference Saturday morning.

If the Legislature does not comply, Hilton said he would sue on state constitutional grounds.

“California’s Constitution prevents gender discrimination. What is this if it’s not discrimination against girls?” Hilton said. “Girl sports are for girls only. We shouldn’t have to say this in 2025 in California.”

Hilton also criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom, calling his leadership “utterly pathetic.”

“We need a governor who will stand up for these girls, for every girl in California, for fairness and for common sense,” Hilton said.

The 2026 Republican candidate spoke outside the stadium hosting the state high school track and field championships in Clovis.

The event has drawn national attention because a transgender athlete is competing in the girls’ division.

AB Hernandez, of Jurupa Valley High School, is competing in jumping events in the girls’ division. On Friday, Hernandez posted the best qualifying marks in the high jump (tied for first at 1.65 meters), long jump (first place at 6.08 meters), and triple jump (first place at 12.43 meters).

Advocate Critical of Hernandez

The California Interscholastic Federation, the body administering the state championship, announced earlier this week that an extra athlete would qualify for the finals if a transgender athlete advanced in any of the events.

As a result, 13 girls moved on to Saturday night’s finals in the high jump, long jump and triple jump instead of the usual 12.

Finals begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Buchanan High School.

Sophia Lorey, outreach director for California Family Council, opposes Hernandez’s participation.

She said Hernandez “stole first in girls long, high, and triple jump. That’s not equality, that’s not inclusion. This is the erasure of female athletics.”

Lorey called CIF’s decision to include additional female athletes a step in the right direction.

“If girls sports were for girls only, this never would have been necessary. We wouldn’t need all this patchwork and CIF knows this isn’t fair,” Lorey said.

Lorey said her “heart aches” for Hernandez, accusing others – including the athlete’s school and family – of using the track and field competitor.

Hilton Says That California Is With Him

Hilton said athletes competing in divisions based on biological sex is an issue that matters to voters.

“It offends every California voter,” Hilton said. “Biological men should not be competing in girls sports. A majority of Californians agree with that.”

Hilton did not specifically address how transgender athletes should compete. He said sports leagues should make that decision.

“This is California. People have a right to follow their dreams, to live the life that they want to live, but not at the expense of anyone else’s safety,” Hilton said.

Police Make Arrest for Assault

A small group of protesters gathered outside the stadium on Friday, with more expected Saturday.

Clovis police arrested Ethan Kroll, 19, of Clovis, for felony assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism, and obstructing or delaying an officer. The incident occurred at 3:55 p.m. Friday.

“One adult on the sidewalk and one in a vehicle at the intersection became involved in a disturbance that turned physical. During the disturbance, one of them used pepper spray against the other,” police spokesperson Ty Wood said.

Josh Fulfer, a conservative activist from Clovis, posted video of the incident in which he was the alleged victim.

The video shows a person dressed in black, including a face mask, approach the driver’s side window of a car.

“Your name is Josh Fulfer, you f-ing  b-,” the video captures. The suspect then uses a flagpole, with a transgender flag attached, as a weapon.

Fulfer was protesting outside the stadium earlier Friday, against boys competing in girls sports.

He wrote on his X page: “I was targeted and violently assaulted today by transtifa when me and my family were leaving the CIF State Championship @ Veterans Memorial Stadium This person called me out by name before striking me multiple times with their flagpole. Fortunately I was able to pepper spray them and police had seen the incident and took the they/them into custody. Transtifa is violent.”

As of Saturday afternoon, Kroll remained in jail, according to online records.

I was targeted and violently assaulted today by transtifa when me and my family were leaving the CIF State Championship @ Veterans Memorial Stadium
This person called me out by name before striking me multiple times with their flag pole.
Fortunately I was able to pepper spray… pic.twitter.com/DBBpstmOA1

— Oreo Express (@OreoExpress) May 30, 2025

Area Blocked Off on Saturday

The alleged assault took place near the corner of Minnewawa and Nees avenues, by the southeast corner of Veterans Memorial Stadium.

On Saturday, the grassy corner outside the stadium was blocked off with a plastic gate.

“It was a CIF decision because of law enforcement concerns with an altercation in traffic yesterday. We placed the fencing at CIF’s request,” Clovis Unified spokesperson Kelly Avants said. “CIF has rented the whole facility from Clovis Unified and CIF has made available a free speech area at the meet. The public sidewalk is also still open.”

Clovis police spokesperson Ty Wood said the area is private property. The department referred further comments to CIF.

“Officer Hutchinson with Clovis PD asked us to have the venue put the fencing in place after an altercation yesterday that affected traffic safety. The sidewalk continues to be available to the public as does a free speech area that has been available since the meet began,” CIF spokesperson Rebecca Brutlag said.