BREAKING: Jeopardy! champion and host Ken Jennings has publicly declared he will “never, ever” support Gavin Newsom for president due to the California governor’s controversial stance on transgender youth. Jennings made this statement on the social media platform Bluesky, aligning himself with trans journalist Parker Molloy, who criticized Newsom’s views.
This urgent declaration comes as Newsom, a leading contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, faces increasing backlash from the LGBTQ+ community. Jennings shared Molloy’s post, which emphatically stated, “I don’t care if he becomes the Dem nominee, he’s still not getting my vote.” Jennings responded, “Any candidate cynically ‘triangulating’ on trans kids is a non-starter, and now is the time to say so.”
Newsom has recently sparked controversy by aligning with right-wing rhetoric regarding trans athletes and gender-affirming care for minors. In a podcast appearance with conservative media personality Charlie Kirk, he stated, “I think it’s an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that.” This has led to condemnation from advocacy groups like GLAAD, who argue that his comments omit crucial facts about inclusion in sports.
In a significant shift, Newsom acknowledged, “I come to this very much more open-minded than I’ve ever been,” suggesting a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding these issues. However, critics argue that his recent comments reflect a troubling alignment with anti-trans sentiments.
As tensions rise, the California Interscholastic Federation has been forced to address the issue directly after Donald Trump threatened to cut federal funding unless a transgender girl was disqualified from a high school championship. The CIF’s new “pilot entry process” allows for multiple winners in track events, which critics argue further complicates fairness in sports.
Jennings and Molloy’s concerns highlight a growing discontent within the LGBTQ+ community regarding Newsom’s recent actions. Earlier this year, he faced backlash for cutting $40 million from the state budget for LGBTQ+ health programs, sparking outrage among advocates who argue that these funds are essential for addressing systemic biases in health outcomes.
With the governor’s 2028 aspirations on the line, Jennings’ comments resonate deeply among constituents who prioritize LGBTQ+ rights. “There’s still so much time to advance candidates that DON’T suck,” Jennings stated, urging voters to seek alternatives. This sentiment reflects a larger movement among progressives seeking candidates who genuinely support trans rights.
As the political landscape shifts, all eyes will be on Newsom’s next moves and how he addresses the mounting criticism. The upcoming months are crucial for his campaign, and with influential voices like Jennings leading the charge, the pressure to clarify his stance on trans youth will only intensify. Keep watching this developing story as it unfolds.
