"For those concerned about the influence of Big Tech and billionaires on California's future, Tom Steyer looks like an obvious choice. A billionaire who amassed his fortune after founding Farallon Capital Management, one of the world's biggest hedge funds, Steyer quit the firm in 2012 and turned to philanthropy, political advocacy, and climate activism, among other pursuits. Now, he's jostling for position among a handful of Democratic and GOP candidates looking to advance from a June primary and then win the California governorship this November."
"Steyer's posture in the race is also unique. He's been described as a "class traitor" for ostensibly eschewing his fellow elites, voiced support for California's controversial Billionaire Tax Act-which has everyone from Sergey Brin to Peter Thiel either making moves to or threatening to flee the state-and campaigned hard on affordability, climate policy, and the promise that he's immune to corporate influence. (As a billionaire spending more than $130 million on his own gubernatorial campaign, I certainly hope he would be.)"
"Steyer is adept, as politicians usually are, at toeing the line. But the line, in politics generally and"
Tom Steyer, a billionaire former hedge fund founder, is running for California governor. He left Farallon Capital Management in 2012 and shifted toward philanthropy, political advocacy, and climate activism. His campaign emphasizes taxing the ultrawealthy through California’s Billionaire Tax Act, affordability, and climate policy. He also calls for regulating AI while addressing immigration enforcement and other major state issues. Supporters view him as aligned with voters concerned about Big Tech and billionaire influence, and he presents himself as resistant to corporate control. His approach is described as difficult to balance with the need to keep Silicon Valley satisfied.
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