California Dem gov candidate Tom Steyer prompts mixed reactions for video with trans athlete AB Hernandez
California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer released a video Friday alongside prominent transgender athlete AB Hernandez, expressing support for the transgender teen as Hernandez tries to win another series of state championships in girls track and field.
The video went viral on social media, with a mix of praise and criticism from across the political spectrum.
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Steyer’s video supporting Hernandez drew praise from some liberal social media users who specifically advocate for transgender rights, including transgender comedian Stacy Cay.
However, most of the reactions to the video Steyer shot with Hernandez were critical, especially in right-wing social media circles.
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Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton condemned Steyer for supporting transgender athletes in girls’ sports in an interview with Fox News Digital on Friday.
“Tom Steyer has taken an extremely extreme position on this issue that is completely out of touch with most families and young people in California,” Hilton told Fox News Digital before the rally. said Hilton.
Hilton’s campaign later shared Steyer’s post about X mocking the Democrat.
In the video posted on Steyer’s social media account, Hernandez talked about being “thrown out” and “cussed out.”
“I’ve been taken out a lot of times, you know, where I went to school has been exposed, so I feel like it’s more of a security element and not just supporting…” Hernandez began, before Steyer added that he was “protecting.” “Yes, protection,” Hernandez replied.
Democratic candidate Tom Steyer participates in a debate in the California governor’s race hosted by the San Francisco Examiner and CBS on May 14, 2026 in San Francisco, California (Carlos Barria/REUTERS)
Steyer said he “totally agrees.”
“It’s the governor’s job to stand between danger and Californians. I mean it and make sure people are safe and protect them from all the malevolent influences in this world. And I take that super super seriously for you. And I’m so proud of you for what you’re doing,” Steyer said.
Steyer then posed for a photo with Hernandez and the athlete’s mother, Nereyda Hernandez.
AB advanced to the final round of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) championships in the long jump, triple jump and high jump, and placed first in the qualifying round in the long jump and triple jump on Friday.
The CIF restarted a pilot program that rewarded all female athletes who finished one spot above Hernandez, resulting in Hernandez sharing podium places with women in the final two rounds of the state tournament. That policy will continue at the state finals this weekend.
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At the finals on Saturday night, Hernandez will try to get back to the top of the podium for the last time as a high school student.
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