Polling Average
20%15%10%5%0%
11.7%
17.4%
14.0%
11.1%
10.4%
9.8%
California Governor primary: 1st place
$396.3K
JUN 2, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleBusiness executive
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age68 years old (Jun 27, 1957)
GenderMale
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LocationCalifornia
BackgroundBusiness executive
EducationYale University (BA)
Notable personal detailsThomas Fahr Steyer is an American businessman, philanthropist, and political activist known for founding Farallon Capital Management and later focusing on climate and progressive advocacy through organizations such as NextGen America. He earned a BA from Yale University and an MBA from Stanford University. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and later entered the 2026 California gubernatorial race. He is married to Kathryn Ann ("Kat") Taylor and they have four children.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgfec.govwikidata.orgtomsteyer.combritannica.comit.wikipedia.orges.wikipedia.orgapnews.comlinkedin.comzh.wikipedia.orgtime.comde.wikipedia.orgtwstalker.comaxios.comebsco.comcanotforsale.comserveamericatogether.orgbsky.appjusticeactionnetwork.orgcalmatters.orgreddit.comcft.orgarxiv.orgpresidency.ucsb.educnbc.comwashingtonpost.comwral.comontheissues.orgiowapbs.orgcfr.orgwmur.combreitbart.commedium.comivoterguide.cominsideclimatenews.orgkqed.orgunumfund.orgcbsnews.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports significant tax increases on the very wealthy and closing capital-gains/dividend loopholes to fund expanded social programs; proposes a wealth tax (1% above ~$32 million) and rolling back tax cuts for the wealthy while delivering targeted tax relief for working families. Advocates using revenue from higher taxes on top earners and corporations to expand healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other public investments.
Healthcare
Supports health care as a right and favors building on the Affordable Care Act with a public option rather than implementing Medicare-for-All that would eliminate employer plans. Advocates using government purchasing power and regulation to drive down costs while preserving choice for those with employer-negotiated coverage.
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Immigration & Border
Supports comprehensive, humane immigration reform including a pathway to citizenship, reinstating DACA and expanding TPS, ending family separation and abolishing private immigration detention; opposes construction of a southern border wall while advocating for "smart" border security and reforms to ICE/CBP to prioritize due process and national security. Would decriminalize border crossings (use civil processing) and limit deportations to those convicted of felony crimes, and seeks to expand refugee admissions and asylum protections.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate explicitly identifies as pro‑choice, describes abortion as health care, and supports repealing the Hyde Amendment and protecting reproductive rights. He has worked with and funded pro‑choice organizations and stated he will back policies to preserve abortion access. These positions indicate support for unrestricted access and federal protections for abortion rights.
Climate & Energy
Supports aggressive climate action including declaring a national climate emergency, backing Green New Deal–style legislation, targeting 100% clean electricity by 2040 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and large federal investments in clean energy and a civilian climate corps.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strong federal gun safety reforms including universal/background checks, a federal licensing system for gun ownership, waiting periods, red flag (extreme-risk) laws, a ban on new assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and creation of a federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Also supports measures like voluntary buybacks, regulation of ghost/3D-printed guns, and repeal of industry liability protections to increase accountability.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMay 20, 2026
Tom Steyer is in the news mainly because of his California governor campaign, where recent polls show him in the mix but trailing Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton. He has been campaigning on wealth taxes, climate policy, and education funding, while also drawing support from some left-leaning groups. His campaign is also facing a disclosure complaint over paid influencer posts, adding a controversy to the race. The final debate and primary polling suggest he is still a serious contender, but his path to advancing remains uncertain.
en.wikipedia.org+41
Articles
VCVentura County Star13 hours ago
California governor poll shows Hilton, Becerra leading field
Negative
LALos Angeles Times20 hours ago
Letters to the Editor: Xavier Becerra has too much baggage to make it past the primary
Positive
WWIRED23 hours ago
Tom Steyer Wants to Save California From Billionaires. But Also Doesn’t Want Them to Leave
Positive
SRSanta Rosa Press Democrat4 days ago
Political money is flowing to influencers. But from whom?
Negative
Polls
California Governor primary: 1st place
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
California Governor primary: 1st place
Endorsers of Tom Steyer for California Governor primary: 1st place
Democratic Assemblymember Nick Schultz
Elected official
Democratic Assemblymember Nick Schultz endorsed Tom Steyer for California governor.
Democratic Assemblymember Corey Jackson
Elected official
Corey Jackson endorsed Tom Steyer for California governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising