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Steyer Drops $195M on Ads, Critics Decry Buying Office

5/27/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer has spent over $195 million on broadcast, cable and radio ads in his California governor campaign.
His outlay is more than 20 times that of rival Democrat Xavier Becerra, who leads the June 2 primary.
Critics including former Rep. Katie Porter say Steyer is trying to buy the governor’s office with his personal fortune.

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Story summary

Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer has spent over $195 million on broadcast, cable and radio ads in his California governor campaign.
His outlay is more than 20 times that of rival Democrat Xavier Becerra, who leads the June 2 primary.
Critics including former Rep. Katie Porter say Steyer is trying to buy the governor’s office with his personal fortune.