Tom Steyer’s Anti-Tech Gubernatorial Run Faces Scrutiny Over Brother’s Industry Ties

Billionaire hedge-fund founder Tom Steyer is contesting the California governorship with a platform that proposes a tax on the ultra-rich, a separate levy on AI firms, and a pledge to tighten Silicon Valley regulation. His anti-tech agenda could set the state’s AI governance model for the nation.

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Tom’s brother Jim Steyer leads Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that rates digital content for children and now advises on AI safety. The group partners with OpenAI, Anthropic and Amazon Web Services. Tom and Kat Taylor have donated over $5 million since the early 2000s, and in 2023 the nonprofit secured a $20 million AI-safety institute grant from Anthropic and the OpenAI Foundation.

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California’s AI rules often become a national template. Steyer’s tax and oversight proposals could reshape corporate influence, AI development and job markets, while perceived conflicts of interest may erode public trust in any policies that emerge.

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Steyer said he does not view his brother’s work as a conflict and will not “slavishly follow” Jim. Common Sense Media asserts independence, and pledged to resolve conflicts as governor. Secure AI endorsed Steyer as “California’s best hope for making sure AI benefits the public.”

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Privacy advocate Tracy Rosenberg warned that family ties give “a lot of access” that could shape policy. Democratic consultant Garry South said any wealthy official must “do a complete reassessment of their previous contributions.” Groups voiced wariness about Common Sense Media’s partnership with OpenAI.

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The Steyer campaign declined to comment on future donations to Common Sense Media while in office. Common Sense Media maintains that funders do not affect its advocacy, yet critics note ongoing collaborations with major tech firms. No disclosed conflict-management mechanism has been provided.

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• “Obviously, family members have a lot of access to other people in their family. I think that’s the concern,” — Tracy Rosenberg, policy head, Oakland Privacy

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• “I don’t think it is a conflict of interest for him to try and do his job, and for me to try and do my job,” — Tom Steyer, gubernatorial candidate

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• “When it comes to holding the tech industry accountable, Common Sense Media’s two decade record of accomplishments speaks for itself.” — Common Sense Media spokesperson

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• “go back and do a complete reassessment of their previous contributions.” — Garry South, Democratic political consultant

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The June 2 primary will select the Democratic nominee. The campaign’s refusal to comment on future donations to Common Sense Media and the nonprofit’s claim of independence have already drawn attention from watchdogs, suggesting the issue may remain a focus in the general election.

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