SAN FRANCISCO –  In last night’s California gubernatorial debate, Democratic candidate Tom Steyer made one thing clear: he is the only unbought candidate and will not pander to the big corporations or special interest groups in Sacramento. 

“I am the only billionaire on the ballot, but I’m not the only one on this stage,” said Steyer, pointing to the corporate and ultrawealthy donations fueling the campaigns of his opponents. During the debate, PG&E dropped another $2 million into an anti-Steyer campaign.

Steyer pushed back against the corporations that are price-gouging working Californians – promising to tax oil companies, tax billionaires like himself, build 1 million homes, and make polluters pay. 

This was in sharp contrast to the other candidates on stage, including:

• Steve Hilton, who failed to explain his support for Trump and the high gas prices that continue to hurt Californians at the pump.
• Xavier Becerra, who defended not taking action despite stating he had “heard rumors” about Eric Swalwell’s sexual misconduct “for years.”
• Katie Porter, who claimed she didn’t take any special interest dollars (she has).
• Matt Mahan, who said, as governor, he would work to find a “middle ground” with the Trump administration.

Steyer once again demonstrated that he is the most progressive candidate in the race – and the only candidate with concrete plans to generate revenue and stand up to corporate special interests getting rich off the backs of working Californians. 

His lead in recent polls – and significant new corporate spending against him – indicates that his policies are resonating with voters and scaring special interest groups.

Here is what people are saying online: 

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“There’s a reason powerful special interests are spending millions to attack Tom Steyer—they know he’s not working for them. In the debate, the contrast was clear: leadership focused on people vs. politics driven by other agendas. #TomSteyer stood out with a clear, fact-based vision and priorities centered on economic fairness, climate action, and accountability. Take a closer look at what he’s proposing and fighting everyday. #TomForGovernor” (View on X.)

“Steyer just won the debate with the best answer on the housing issue by miles #CAGovdebate” (View on X.) 

“I really appreciate Steyer subtly pushing back on the myth that mental health or substance abuse issues are a main cause of homelessness...and that it is actually the other way around. His whole response shows depth of knowledge w compassionate proposals to address the issue.” (View on X)

“[Steyer] had a good point in that lots of billionaires are spending a ton of money. 

And "why don't you just give away your money" replying with "we need structural change" is a GOOD answer.” (View on X.) 

“Steyer parried criticisms of his career in finance by pointing to the wealthy interests opposing his campaign. In recent days, PG&E has poured millions into an anti-Steyer super-PAC that has also received funding from groups representing realtors and prison guards. 

“There’s a reason powerful special interests are spending millions to attack Tom Steyer—they know he’s not working for them… Tom Steyer stood out with a clear, fact-based vision and priorities centered on economic fairness, climate action, and accountability.” (View on X.)

Rivals Target Steyer, Becerra in Debate as California Governor Race Tightens (Read more in KQED.)

“On stage on Wednesday, Steyer reminded voters that he was the only billionaire on the ballot, but that billionaires were spending heavily to defeat him, including many Silicon Valley leaders who are backing Mahan.” (Read more in The Guardian.)

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