Cockburn
Tom Steyer spent $340 million of his own money on a failed 2020 run for president – and judging by his standing in the California governor’s race, he’s learned nothing.
An idle Google search for the Steyer’s campaign reveals the tagline, “Tom is running for Governor because Californians can no longer afford to live here.” Yet Steyer’s run has been defined by his most unique characteristic: his billionaire status.
Steyer has the most expensive political campaign in the country this year, with a media spend north of $195 million. Steyer has shelled out 20 times more than the leading Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Xavier Becerra, and in doing so has maintained a steady presence online and on TV. Yet he ranks third in a poll released today by the Public Policy Institute of California.
Steyer made his money as a hedge-fund manager. His platform for governor includes lowering costs and electrical bills, building affordable homes and expanding healthcare access for Californians. He also pledges to close the tax loophole and “make billionaires (like me) pay more taxes.” Steyer has reportedly spent $213 million of his own money on his run for governor – and there’s still five days to go until Election Day!
