Story perspectives

Steyer's $200 M Spend Fuels Historic Latino Governor Race

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Billionaire Tom Steyer spent over $200 million of his own money, 64 % of the nearly $316 million spent on advertising, making it the most expensive gubernatorial primary in U.S. history.
Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton lead the primary, with a Becerra win poised to make him California’s first elected Latino governor since 1875.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s April endorsement of Steve Hilton helped the Republican consolidate support and avoid a split nomination.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 Barack Obama’s presidential bid raised more than $650 million privately, far surpassing previous primary totals and prompting the Democratic National Committee to coordinate joint-fundraising. By rejecting public financing in June, his campaign demonstrated that large private donations could dominate elections, a shift that later inspired similar national high-spend races.

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Story summary

Billionaire Tom Steyer spent over $200 million of his own money, 64 % of the nearly $316 million spent on advertising, making it the most expensive gubernatorial primary in U.S. history.
Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton lead the primary, with a Becerra win poised to make him California’s first elected Latino governor since 1875.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s April endorsement of Steve Hilton helped the Republican consolidate support and avoid a split nomination.

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