Climate activist and billionaire Tom Steyer to run for California governor [View all]

Source: NBC News

Tom Steyer, the billionaire philanthropist and Democratic climate activist who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2020, is jumping into the crowded race to be the next governor of California.

Steyer joins a crowded and uncertain field vying to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom next fall. Prominent Democratic candidates include former federal Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Rep. Katie Porter and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, with other prominent candidates also musing about a potential bid.

Despite the state’s Democratic lean, some prominent Republicans are running too, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton.

In an announcement video posted to social media, Steyer directly attacks America's wealthiest people, who he says have the notion that "they earned everything themselves."

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/climate-activist-billionaire-tom-steyer-run-california-governor-rcna244783