Full Breakdown
Tom Steyer's Gubernatorial Bid Faces Internal Mockery from Campaign Staff
2/19/2026, 1:04:26 AM
Internal Criticism from Campaign Team
Billionaire Tom Steyer, a candidate for California governor, has faced ridicule from his own campaign staff, as revealed by previously deleted tweets. Morris Katz, a partner at The Fight Agency, which is managing Steyer's campaign, made several mocking comments about him on social media. Katz's remarks included suggestions that Steyer and fellow billionaire Mike Bloomberg should withdraw from the 2020 presidential race to make way for other candidates, indicating a lack of confidence in Steyer's viability as a candidate.
Background on Tom Steyer's Political Journey
Steyer, known for his significant financial contributions to Democratic causes and climate activism, previously launched a presidential campaign in 2020, which was unsuccessful. He has since redirected his focus to the California gubernatorial race, investing approximately $38 million of his own wealth into the campaign. His platform emphasizes progressive policies, including higher taxes on the wealthy and strong labor support, positioning himself as a pro-union candidate.
Shift in Campaign Strategy
Despite the earlier mockery, Katz has recently expressed a more favorable view of Steyer, stating that he is "as clear-eyed on the problems and challenges we have in America—and California in particular—as anyone out there." This shift suggests a potential reevaluation of Steyer's candidacy within his campaign team, as Katz acknowledges Steyer's understanding of critical issues and his proposed solutions.
Competitive Landscape
Steyer is one of several prominent Democrats vying for the gubernatorial nomination, competing against figures such as Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former state attorney general Xavier Becerra. His campaign strategy includes appealing to labor unions and advocating for progressive taxation, which he argues is essential for addressing economic disparities.
Criticism of Wealth in Politics
Katz has previously criticized the influence of wealth in politics, questioning how Steyer can advocate against the commodification of democracy while simultaneously planning to spend $100 million on his campaign. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among some progressives about the role of billionaires in political races, particularly in a field that already includes multiple wealthy candidates.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the internal criticism, Katz's recent comments indicate a nuanced view of Steyer's candidacy, suggesting that while there may have been initial skepticism, there is now recognition of his potential to address significant issues facing California.
Verbatim Quotes
- “How can someone complain about how our democracy is being sold to the highest bidder, and then in the next breath pledge to spend $100 million to buy the highest office in the land?” — Morris Katz, Media Strategist
- “But does he understand the problem, and does he have real solutions? One hundred f–ing percent.” — Morris Katz, Media Strategist
What's Next
As the gubernatorial race progresses, Steyer's campaign will likely continue to navigate the complexities of internal dynamics and external perceptions, particularly regarding the influence of wealth in politics and the effectiveness of his proposed policies.
