Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer has spent a record $195 million on advertising in his campaign for California governor, making it the most expensive political ad campaign of the year. Despite the unprecedented spending, Steyer remains behind in polls ahead of the June 2 primary.
Polling Shows Tight Race
Recent polls show Steyer trailing Republican Steve Hilton by 7 points and Democrat Xavier Becerra by 1 point, according to a New York Times-curated list. However, Steyer’s campaign released internal polling showing him tied with Becerra at 19%, with Hilton at 22%. The race remains highly competitive, with over 50 candidates on the ballot.
Criticism Over Spending
Steyer’s massive ad spending has drawn criticism from rivals, particularly Katie Porter, a former Democratic House member also running for governor. Porter’s campaign accused Steyer of “trying to buy the governor’s office” by leveraging his $2.4 billion net worth. Becerra, who has spent roughly $9.75 million, is Steyer’s closest Democratic rival in ad spending.
National Context
Nationally, Steyer’s ad spending dwarfs other candidates. The next highest spender is Republican Rick Jackson in Georgia, who has spent $83 million on ads. The previous record for a California gubernatorial race was set by Meg Whitman in 2010, who spent $178.5 million in a losing bid.
Steyer’s Defense
Steyer’s campaign argues that his spending reflects voter demand for an “outsider” who can challenge the political establishment. They point to a 4-point polling gain since late April, despite facing $30 million in negative ads against him. The campaign maintains that Becerra’s momentum has stalled as voters scrutinize his candidacy.
Long-Term Implications
The race highlights the growing influence of self-funded candidates in politics, raising questions about campaign finance and fairness. While Steyer’s spending has not yet translated into a clear polling lead, it has reshaped the dynamics of the race, forcing rivals to respond to his messaging.