Polling Average
25%20%15%10%5%0%
13.2%
18.5%
13.5%
12.2%
11.1%
9.9%
5.1%
California Governor primary: 1st place
$5.7M
JUN 2, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleHedge fund manager
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age68 years old (Jun 27, 1957)
GenderMale
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BackgroundHedge fund manager
EducationYale University (BA)
Notable personal detailsTom Steyer is an American businessman, philanthropist, and political activist who founded Farallon Capital Management and later focused on climate and progressive advocacy. He ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020 and is a Democratic candidate in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race. He earned a B.A. from Yale University and an M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgtomsteyer.combritannica.comlinkedin.comnews.kalshi.comlatimes.comkqed.orgquiverquant.comapnews.comivoterguide.comaxios.comdailynexus.cominvesting.comoctagonai.coaol.comdefirate.comslocounty.ca.govpresidency.ucsb.educnbc.comwashingtonpost.comwral.comontheissues.orgiowapbs.orgcfr.orgwmur.combreitbart.commedium.cominsideclimatenews.orgunumfund.orgcbsnews.comtwitter.comstatic.politico.compolitico.comfec.goves.wikipedia.orgvotesmart.orgru.wikipedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgdocquery.fec.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports significant tax increases on the very wealthy and closing capital-gains/dividend loopholes to fund expanded social programs; proposes a wealth tax (1% above ~$32 million) and rolling back tax cuts for the wealthy while delivering targeted tax relief for working families. Advocates using revenue from higher taxes on top earners and corporations to expand healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other public investments.
Healthcare
Supports health care as a right and favors building on the Affordable Care Act with a public option rather than implementing Medicare-for-All that would eliminate employer plans. Advocates using government purchasing power and regulation to drive down costs while preserving choice for those with employer-negotiated coverage.
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Immigration & Border
Supports comprehensive, humane immigration reform including a pathway to citizenship, reinstating DACA and expanding TPS, ending family separation and abolishing private immigration detention; opposes construction of a southern border wall while advocating for "smart" border security and reforms to ICE/CBP to prioritize due process and national security. Would decriminalize border crossings (use civil processing) and limit deportations to those convicted of felony crimes, and seeks to expand refugee admissions and asylum protections.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate explicitly identifies as pro‑choice, describes abortion as health care, and supports repealing the Hyde Amendment and protecting reproductive rights. He has worked with and funded pro‑choice organizations and stated he will back policies to preserve abortion access. These positions indicate support for unrestricted access and federal protections for abortion rights.
Climate & Energy
Supports aggressive climate action including declaring a national climate emergency, backing Green New Deal–style legislation, targeting 100% clean electricity by 2040 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and large federal investments in clean energy and a civilian climate corps.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strong federal gun safety reforms including universal/background checks, a federal licensing system for gun ownership, waiting periods, red flag (extreme-risk) laws, a ban on new assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and creation of a federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Also supports measures like voluntary buybacks, regulation of ghost/3D-printed guns, and repeal of industry liability protections to increase accountability.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026
Tom Steyer is emerging as one of the leading contenders in the California gubernatorial primary, consistently polling near the top in recent surveys alongside Steve Hilton and Eric Swalwell. The race remains fluid, with several candidates clustered close together and a sizable share of voters still undecided, making the top-two primary outcome uncertain. Steyer has also drawn attention for heavily self-funding his campaign and investing significantly in advertising as he tries to build support and alliances.
en.wikipedia.org+39
Articles
CNCBS News3 months ago
Steve Hilton, Tom Steyer and Eric Swalwell leading California governor's race, new polls show
Positive
NNewsmax3 months ago
Poll: Swalwell Tops Wide-Open Calif. Governor Race
Neutral
TMThe Mercury News3 months ago
In California’s governor race, Democratic candidates press on despite party chair’s plea for some to exit
Neutral
LALos Angeles Times3 months ago
Yes, Republicans have a chance in California governor's race. Here's our expert analysis
Positive
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
California Governor primary: 1st place
Endorsers of Tom Steyer for California Governor primary: 1st place
California Teachers Association
Elected official
California Teachers Association recommended Tom Steyer for California governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising