Trans athletes remarks and SB 418 veto, 2025
Newsom drew criticism from LGBTQ lawmakers and advocates after saying on his podcast with @charliekirk11 in March 2025 that trans girls and women competing in female sports is "deeply unfair". In October 2025 he vetoed SB 418, a bill to protect access to hormone therapy, which advocates said left trans Californians vulnerable. He cited concerns about insurance premiums.
Editorial timeline of public reporting, not a legal finding.
- Calls trans participation in female sports "deeply unfair" on podcast with Charlie Kirk - AP, BBC and NBC News reported that in the debut episode of his podcast "This Is Gavin Newsom", Newsom told conservative activist @charliekirk11 that trans girls and women competing in female sports is "an issue of fairness" and "deeply unfair", breaking with many Democrats. NBC reported he also said the issue should be handled with "humility and grace". Gavin Newsom opposes trans athletes in women's sports
- LGBTQ Caucus and Equality California criticize the remarks - CBS Sacramento and NBC News reported that the chair and vice chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, Assemblymember Chris Ward and Sen. Caroline Menjivar, said they "woke up profoundly sickened and frustrated" by the remarks, which the caucus called "anti-transgender". Equality California said it was "disappointed and angered". Gavin Newsom splits with Democrats on transgender athletes, calling it "deeply unfair"
- Vetoes SB 418 on hormone therapy access - KQED and Equality California reported that Newsom vetoed SB 418, which would have helped people on hormone therapy get treatment without disruption, citing the risk of higher insurance premiums. Bill author Sen. Caroline Menjivar called the veto "heartbreaking", and Equality California said the decision left trans Californians vulnerable. The Los Angeles Times linked the veto to his earlier comments on trans politics. Tracking Newsom's Record on Pro-LGBTQ+ Laws Signed and Vetoed This Session