Steyer vs. Becerra: The Ideological Battle Shaping California’s Gubernatorial Primary

California’s June 2 Democratic primary will advance the top two vote-getters to the November gubernatorial election. Billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer and former U.S. attorney general Xavier Becerra are leading contenders, pitting a progressive platform against the party’s establishment.

The Guardian

California’s Democratic leadership has paired liberal policies with a corporate-friendly economy, while 7 million residents remain below the poverty line and child-poverty rates stay among the nation’s highest. The party’s core includes Senators Alex Padilla, Adam Schiff and Governor Gavin Newsom.

The Guardian

Tom Steyer, a hedge-fund founder with $2.4 billion in personal wealth, proposes higher taxes on corporations and billionaires, pre-K-college education, universal health care and ending private-prison contracts. He has repented a past private-prison investment and is projected to spend $200 million on ads.

The Guardian

Xavier Becerra, former congressman, California attorney general and HHS secretary, is described as a “career politician backed by a roster of corporations and billionaires” and is skeptical of tax hikes that could drive businesses away. Anti-Steyer groups have spent $79 million, including $32 million from the California Realtors Association, the California Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Gas & Electric and the state electrical workers’ union.

The Guardian

Politico reported Becerra’s caution about tax increases that could push businesses out of the state. Steyer’s campaign video acknowledges his private-prison past and outlines reforms. Representative Ro Khanna linked Steyer to a single-payer health-care push. Newsom’s campaign team is reported to be coordinating support for Becerra.

The Guardian

Progressive activists label Steyer’s billionaire status a “conflict of interest” and cite his historic private-prison ties. Becerra is criticized for “working with corporations to undermine progress that helps working families,” according to progressive leaders.

The Guardian

Becerra’s claim that tax hikes would trigger capital flight conflicts with studies described as showing “capital flight … largely a myth.” No definitive data on the fiscal impact of either candidate’s proposals has been released.

The Guardian

• “While Steyer is vowing to raise taxes on corporations and his fellow billionaires, Becerra is skeptical of tax increases that could push businesses to leave California,” — Politico

The Guardian

• “Steyer is a gamechanger because, when he takes office, he owes no favors to the corporate Democratic establishment,” — Amar Shergill, former chair, California Democratic Party Progressive Caucus

The Guardian

• “They can come after me all they want. I’m not going to back down.” — Tom Steyer

The Guardian

• “For the most part, the majority of progressives, particularly former Bernie supporters, have gravitated to Steyer’s campaign,” — Karen Bernal, former state party Progressive caucus chair

The Guardian

The primary could influence the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Governor Newsom reportedly prefers a Becerra successor to avoid a “successor looking to upend Sacramento.” A Steyer win may boost progressive allies such as Ro Khanna and shift the balance of power within state and national Democratic parties.

The Guardian