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Steyer Faces AI Conflict, Proposes Wealth Tax, Trails Becerra

5/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tom Steyer, a California governor candidate, faces scrutiny because his brother Jim Steyer’s Common Sense Media partnered with OpenAI, received tech-industry donations, and prompted advocacy groups to pause an AI-safety ballot initiative.
Steyer trails Xavier Becerra in polls ahead of the June 2 primary.
Steyer proposes a separate AI tax and a wealth tax on the ultra-rich, earning endorsement from Secure AI as the best hope for public-benefit AI.

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Story summary

Tom Steyer, a California governor candidate, faces scrutiny because his brother Jim Steyer’s Common Sense Media partnered with OpenAI, received tech-industry donations, and prompted advocacy groups to pause an AI-safety ballot initiative.
Steyer trails Xavier Becerra in polls ahead of the June 2 primary.
Steyer proposes a separate AI tax and a wealth tax on the ultra-rich, earning endorsement from Secure AI as the best hope for public-benefit AI.