California Governor Gavin Newsom sparked controversy on Thursday with his stance on transgender athletes, creating a rift within the Democratic Party that could impact the 2028 primary elections. Newsom’s comments condemning trans athletes participating in female sports drew swift criticism from fellow Democrats, with former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot calling it “disgusting” and Rep. Pramila Jayapal urging the party to reject anti-trans rhetoric.
Major LGBTQ+ organizations quickly made clear that they view support for trans athletes as a litmus test for Democratic leaders. Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson emphasized the importance of standing up for vulnerable communities and doing the hard work to help all Americans. However, Newsom’s position resonated with some moderates who see it as a way to address the divisive issues surrounding trans women in sports and distance the party from identity politics.
Newsom’s remarks come as several potential 2028 presidential contenders are navigating the shifting landscape of Democratic politics. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have also made statements that seek to move away from identity politics and focus on broader issues facing the country. Representative Seth Moulton highlighted the growing support for Newsom’s position, suggesting that many Democrats agree with the idea of regulating trans athletes’ participation in sports.
While Newsom’s stance may resonate with some Democratic voters, it also risks alienating activists and advocates for trans rights. The issue of trans rights has been a challenging one for Democrats since it was weaponized by former President Trump in the 2024 campaign, leading to debates within the party about the balance between identity politics and broader policy goals.
Despite the controversy, Newsom’s comments reflect a broader shift in public opinion on trans rights issues. Recent polling indicates growing support for policies protecting trans individuals from discrimination, while also showing majority support for regulating trans athletes’ participation in sports and restricting certain healthcare services related to gender transitions for minors.
As Democrats grapple with Newsom’s remarks, the party remains divided on how to approach trans rights issues. While some lawmakers have expressed reservations about allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, others have emphasized the importance of not excluding transgender youth for political gain. Democratic leaders in Congress have rejected legislation targeting transgender athletes, arguing that it unfairly targets vulnerable communities.
In California, Newsom’s comments have sparked outrage among Democratic lawmakers who viewed him as a strong ally in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As the governor faces backlash for his stance on trans athletes, the Democratic Party continues to navigate the complex terrain of identity politics and policy priorities in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.
