Two Republican Candidates for Governor to Demand CIF Protect Girls' Sports as Male Athlete Poised to Sweep Girls’ Field Events in Yorba Linda
Press Conference Held Outside Yorba Linda High School Ahead of CIF-SS Division 3 Track Prelims
YORBA LINDA, Calif. — Two Republican candidates for California Governor, Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, made their voices heard Saturday morning outside Yorba Linda High School as advocates called on the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to stop allowing male athletes to compete against girls. Bianco spoke in person, while Hilton, unable to attend, had a statement read on his behalf. The press conference began at 8:15 a.m. ahead of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 Track and Field Preliminary meet.
A male athlete competed in the girls’ long jump, high jump, and triple jump and entered the meet holding first place rankings in all three events. Full qualifier lists were made available through CIF Southern Section performance records.
CIF Bylaw 300 D mandates that all students may participate in athletics consistent with their gender identity, a policy the California Family Council said violates Title IX’s federal protections for female athletes.
SPEAKERS
- Sophia Lorey — Former CIF & Collegiate Athlete and Outreach Director, California Family Council
- Chad Bianco — Republican Candidate for Governor of California
- Steve Hilton — Republican Candidate for Governor of California (statement read on his behalf)
- Sonja Shaw — President, Chino Valley Unified School District Board; Republican Candidate for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Olivia Viola — Female athlete competing in girls’ high jump against a male athlete
- Reese Hogan — Female athlete competing in girls’ high jump, triple jump, and long jump against a male athlete
- Lesley Ledesma — Female athlete competing Saturday
- Ashleen Hernandez — Female athlete competing Saturday
- Jane Moyer — Female athlete competing Saturday
Additional athletes affected by male participation in CIF girls’ sports were also expected to participate.
QUOTE: Sophia Lorey, Outreach Director, California Family Council
“For years, California’s girls have been told to be quiet, accept the unfairness, and move on. That ends today. These young women trained for years for this moment, and they deserve a level playing field. The CIF’s policy doesn’t protect inclusion, it destroys it. Girls’ sports exist because women fought for them. We will fight for them again.”
— Sophia Lorey, Outreach Director, California Family Council
STATEMENT: Chad Bianco, Republican Candidate for Governor
Sheriff Chad Bianco, Republican candidate for Governor of California, delivered remarks in person at the press conference.
STATEMENT: Steve Hilton, Republican Candidate for Governor
The following statement was read during the press conference:
“Girls deserve sports that are fair, safe, and protected for female athletes. That should not be controversial. … As governor, I will demand the repeal of the provisions of AB 1266 that allow biological males to compete in girls’ sports and enter girls’ locker rooms and spaces. If the legislature refuses to act, I will take legal action to defend the constitutional rights of California’s girls to fairness and safe schools.”
— Steve Hilton, Republican Candidate for Governor of California
NEWSOM’S OFFICE RESPONDED TO FOX NEWS INQUIRY ABOUT THE PRESS CONFERENCE
Fox News reporter Jack Thompson asked Governor Gavin Newsom’s office for comment regarding the press conference. A Newsom spokesperson responded:
“The Governor has said discussions on this issue should be guided by fairness, dignity, and respect. He rejects the right wing’s cynical attempt to weaponize this debate as an excuse to vilify individual kids. The Governor’s position is simple: stand with all kids and stand up to bullies. California is one of 22 states that have laws requiring students be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school sports consistent with their gender identity. California passed this law in 2013 (AB 1266), and it was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.”
— Newsom spokesperson, as reported by Fox News
Notably, Newsom has stated on multiple prior occasions that he believes males competing in girls’ sports is “unfair.” His office’s statement did not address that prior position.
PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 8:15 a.m.
Location: Outside Yorba Linda High School Track and Field
Address: 19900 Bastanchury Rd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
About California Family Council
California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.