WHAT THEY’RE SEEING: Steyer on Fire at California Democratic Party Convention

SAN FRANCISCO — In case you missed it, one thing was unmistakable at the California Democratic Party Convention this weekend: the energy, the momentum, and the most enthusiastic reception belonged to Tom Steyer.

In just a short time since launching his campaign for governor, Steyer has built a movement that is clearly gaining ground across California. From unveiling his plan to close the Trump Tax loophole, to taking on entrenched utility monopolies and committing to building one million homes in four years, Steyer is the only gubernatorial candidate with bold concrete agendas that speak directly to the urgency Californians feel. 

While Big Tech billionaires back MAGA Matt Mahan and Eric Swalwell is forced to defend his ability to do his job, Steyer’s momentum culminated this weekend as delegates gathered from across the state to hear his clarion call: “The question is, are we going to have a government that listens to working people? Or to tech bros?”

Here’s what people are seeing. 

POLITICO | Why Swalwell and Steyer are surging in California governor’s race

• When Eric Swalwell and Tom Steyer jumped into the California governor’s race, much of the political class rolled its eyes — two failed presidential hopefuls with seemingly thin bases and no track record statewide.
• Three months later they’re surging, with poll after poll placing them among the top three Democrats in the race. 
• Steyer, while using Mahan as a moderate foil, has also ripped Swalwell. He released an ad hitting Swalwell for missing the most House votes of any member last year. It spliced a clip of Swalwell shooting baskets in a pool and bench pressing during the government shutdown, saying, “I should be working right now,” in between stats about his missed votes.
• “Call me old-fashioned,” Steyer wrote on social media over the video, “but you typically need to show up to work to get a promotion.”
  

MERCURY NEWS | Silicon Valley flexes financial muscle in governor’s race and wealth tax battle

• The field of would-be governors is wide, but the two likely to have the most campaign money are billionaire investor Tom Steyer and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who represent the ideological parameters of the Democratic hopefuls.
• Steyer is making an obvious bid for support from the Democrats’ left wing, endorsing efforts to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy, while Mahan is counting on his friends in Silicon Valley to supply as much money as he needs to mount a credible run.
• The techies are diving into the gubernatorial campaign because Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has generally backed Silicon Valley in policy battles — especially conflicts over taxes and artificial intelligence — will be gone in a year.
• This could be the year that Silicon Valley, which has reshaped California’s culture and economy, also reshapes its politics.

Throughout the weekend, Steyer electrified crowds at the individual caucuses and hosted a delegate lunch with lines out the door.

Steyer has has earned the support of the 250,000-member-strong California School Employees Association, the 100,000-member-strong California Nurses Association, as well as Congressman Ro Khanna, Senator Henry Stern, Legislative Progressive Caucus Chair Assembly Member Alex Lee and Progressive Caucus Assembly Members Isaac Bryan, Gregg Hart, Ash Kalra, and Rick Zbur.

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