Tom Steyer enters California governor’s race

By Jeremy B. White | 11/19/2025 12:10 PM EST

The Democratic megadonor laid a foundation to run by spending millions for Proposition 50.

Tom Steyer speaks into a microphone.

After years of floating a statewide run, Tom Steyer is jumping into a wide-open gubernatorial race in California. Meg Kinnard/AP

Democratic megadonor Tom Steyer is the latest to enter the crowded race for California governor.

In a launch video, the billionaire cast himself as an outsider who would make “corporations pay their fair share” and check the “monopolistic power of utilities,” arguing business interests have undermined governance.

“Sacramento politicians are afraid to change up this system. I’m not,” he said. “They’re going to hate this.”

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Steyer’s late entrance reflects a widespread sense that the contest remains wide open after two heavyweights, former Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Alex Padilla, opted not to run.

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