Progressive Billionaire Tom Steyer Enters California Governor's Race
Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer is running for California governor in 2026, focusing on affordability and corporate accountability. He joins a crowded field of candidates.
Overview
- Progressive billionaire activist Tom Steyer has officially announced his candidacy for California governor, aiming for the 2026 and 2028 elections as a Democratic candidate.
- Steyer, known for founding NextGen America, is entering a crowded field of both Democratic and Republican hopefuls vying for the state's top office.
- His campaign platform emphasizes key issues such as improving affordability for Californians and ensuring corporations pay their fair share in taxes.
- Steyer previously demonstrated his political influence by funding a significant ad campaign and committing $12 million to support California's Proposition 50.
- This move marks Steyer's continued engagement in supporting liberal initiatives and candidates, now directly seeking the gubernatorial position himself.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover Tom Steyer's gubernatorial announcement neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of his entry into the race, his stated platform, and relevant political context. They avoid loaded language or overt editorial judgment, presenting information directly from his campaign video and his political history. This approach ensures a balanced and informative overview for readers.
"Steyer is entering the California governor's race with a message that focuses on affordability."
CBS News"Steyer frames himself as a successful businessman who pivoted his life's work toward taking on the 'out-of-state corporations,' the 'oil companies,' the 'tobacco companies,' and centered his pitch on affordability, a newly common refrain among Democrats looking to seize on the poor marks voters are giving Republicans, and President Donald Trump, on the economy."
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FAQ
Tom Steyer is focusing on affordability for Californians, including launching the largest effort to build affordable housing in the state's history, and ensuring corporate accountability by making corporations pay their fair share in taxes.
Other notable Democratic candidates include former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa, former Representative Katie Porter, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and billionaire real estate developer Stephen Cloobeck. On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff is mentioned as a contender.
Tom Steyer is a billionaire environmental activist, former hedge fund manager, and a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate. He founded NextGen America, has spent hundreds of millions on political campaigns supporting liberal causes, and was involved in efforts to impeach Donald Trump.
Steyer's estimated net worth of $2 billion allows him to self-fund a significant portion of his campaign, giving him a financial advantage in the crowded race; he spent nearly $200 million on his previous presidential campaign.
The race is to succeed Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. The field is crowded with multiple Democratic and Republican candidates, making it a highly competitive election for the state's top office.
History
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