Story perspectives

California Governor Primary Ignites $300M Spending Frenzy

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Groups have poured $74.1 million into the California governor’s race while Tom Steyer has spent over $195 million on ads.
California’s June 2, 2026 primary is underway, with top two moving to a November runoff.
Independent committees have spent $33.1 million opposing Steyer, funded by the California Chamber of Commerce and Realtors.
Xavier Becerra polls 19 %–22 % tying with Steve Hilton while Steyer trails in third and candidates have raised $60.1 million, led by Matt Mahan’s $15 million.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC, issued by a 5-4 majority, struck limits on corporate and union independent expenditures, paving the way for super-PACs and later cases such as McCutcheon (2014). That shift enabled the $195 million ad blitz by Tom Steyer and $74.1 million from the California Chamber of Commerce in the 2026 governor’s race, illustrating the decision’s impact on state politics.

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Story summary

Groups have poured $74.1 million into the California governor’s race while Tom Steyer has spent over $195 million on ads.
California’s June 2, 2026 primary is underway, with top two moving to a November runoff.
Independent committees have spent $33.1 million opposing Steyer, funded by the California Chamber of Commerce and Realtors.
Xavier Becerra polls 19 %–22 % tying with Steve Hilton while Steyer trails in third and candidates have raised $60.1 million, led by Matt Mahan’s $15 million.

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