Why Tom Steyer's $216-million California gubernatorial bid failed
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Despite spending a record-breaking $216 million on his California gubernatorial campaign, billionaire Tom Steyer failed to secure enough votes in the primary to advance to the November general election.
- Steyer's extensive ad presence across various media platforms did boost his polling from 1% to 19%, but he ultimately hit a ceiling and finished behind Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra.
- Steyer expressed pride in his campaign’s progressive values, opposition from major corporations, and commitment to fighting a system he views as rigged to benefit billionaires, while immediately endorsing Becerra after the primary loss.
- Political analysts suggest Steyer’s wealth and overwhelming ad saturation may have alienated voters, with some questioning the authenticity of a billionaire advocating for policies like a billionaire’s tax and campaign finance reform.
- Although Steyer will not run for president in 2028, he plans to remain politically active and continue working on progressive issues that have defined his public life for over a decade.