Tom Steyer
Professional Background
Education & Credentials
Missions & Policies
Prioritizes an accelerated transition to a carbon-neutral economy by ending fossil fuel expansion and increasing investments in offshore wind and solar.
Proposes a “Wealth Tax” on assets over $50 million and expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit to support lower-income households.
Vows to break up the “monopolistic” power of PG&E and introduce retail competition to slash household electricity bills by up to 25%.
Advocates for overriding local zoning laws to allow high-density, transit-oriented development near major job centers.
Top 20 Contributors
Endorsements
Controversial Administrative Record
Steyer has poured over $130 million of his own wealth into the race, dwarfing rivals’ spending by 30-to-1. Critics argue this represents an attempt to “buy” the governorship and sets a dangerous precedent for California elections.
Opponents highlight that while Steyer now campaigns as an environmentalist, his former firm Farallon Capital made billions through investments in coal mines, offshore oil, and private prisons.
Steyer has centered his campaign on challenging PG&E’s monopoly. In response, PG&E and utility allies have spent millions on ads attacking his record, while Steyer has filed complaints alleging they used “shell committees” to hide their identity in those ads.