Tom Steyer Advocates for Single-Payer Health Care in California Gubernatorial Race

Billionaire and California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer (D) has publicly endorsed a single-payer health care system, stating, “Bernie Sanders was right. We need single-payer health care.” This statement marks a significant shift in Steyer's perspective, as he previously believed that the U.S. could manage health care costs through private sector expertise and technological advancements. He now argues that a single-payer system is necessary to eliminate expenses and profits for intermediaries in health care.

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Steyer's announcement comes as he enters a competitive race for the California governorship, joining a field that includes notable Democratic figures such as former Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Recent polling by Emerson College indicates that Steyer has garnered only 4 percent support among potential voters, significantly trailing behind Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who leads with 13 percent.

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In the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, Steyer was an advocate for a “Right to Health” plan, which aimed to provide Americans with the option to choose their coverage plans, including a competitive public option. He criticized the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and pledged to protect and expand its benefits if elected president.

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Steyer's campaign emphasizes the need for a health care system that prioritizes affordability and accessibility. He has articulated a vision that seeks to cut out the profit-driven motives of middlemen in health care, advocating for a model that would streamline costs and improve patient care.

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While Steyer's support for single-payer health care aligns him with progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders, critics argue that such a system could lead to increased taxes and government control over health care. Detractors from the business community and some moderate Democrats express concerns about the feasibility and economic implications of transitioning to a single-payer model.

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As the gubernatorial race progresses, Steyer's stance on health care will likely be a focal point of his campaign strategy. With a crowded field and limited polling support, his ability to resonate with voters on this issue may prove crucial in the upcoming primaries.

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“Bernie Sanderswas right. We need single-payer health care,” — Tom Steyer, California Gubernatorial Candidate

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“In 2019, I didn’t think we needed single-payer health care.” — Tom Steyer, reflecting on his previous views

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“profit for middlemen supplying health care.” — Tom Steyer

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