Additional Coverage:
- Tom Steyer mounts California gubernatorial bid, joining crowd of candidates jockeying to succeed Newsom (foxnews.com)
Billionaire Activist Tom Steyer Enters Crowded Race for California Governor
SACRAMENTO, CA – Democratic mega-donor and former hedge fund manager Tom Steyer has officially announced his bid for California Governor, entering a competitive field vying to succeed current Governor Gavin Newsom.
Steyer, a prominent figure in national politics for the past decade, launched his campaign with a striking message in a campaign video. “The richest people in America think that they earned everything themselves,” Steyer stated, before emphatically adding, “Bulls— man. That’s so ridiculous.”
This isn’t Steyer’s first foray into high-stakes politics. He gained significant traction through NextGenAmerica, a grassroots advocacy organization credited with mobilizing young voters in the 2018 elections, a movement that helped Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives. Steyer was also a key player in the initial efforts to impeach former President Donald Trump with his “Need to Impeach” initiative.
In 2020, Steyer mounted a presidential campaign, reportedly investing approximately $250 million of his personal fortune into the endeavor. However, after disappointing results in early primaries and caucuses, he withdrew from the race.
At the time, former President Trump famously criticized Steyer on social media, writing, “Tom Steyer who, other than Mini Mike Bloomberg, spent more dollars for NOTHING than any candidate in history, quit the race today proclaiming how thrilled he was to be a part of the … Democrat Clown Show. Go away Tom and save whatever little money you have left!”
Governor Gavin Newsom, who took office in early 2019, successfully navigated a recall election in 2021 and secured a second term in 2022. Due to state constitutional limits, he is ineligible to serve a third term.
Steyer joins a diverse roster of candidates in the gubernatorial race, which includes former President Joe Biden-era Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and former Fox News Channel host Steve Hilton. The upcoming election promises to be a closely watched contest as these candidates vie for California’s top executive position.