The California gubernatorial race ignited with a sharp exchange as billionaire Tom Steyer announced his candidacy, immediately drawing fire from fellow contender Katie Porter. Porter didn’t hesitate to publicly denounce Steyer, accusing him of hypocrisy – claiming he would battle the industries that fueled his fortune.
The irony, however, quickly surfaced. Financial records reveal Porter herself accepted over $16,000 from Steyer across multiple campaigns, including her unsuccessful Senate bid. This revelation has sparked accusations of blatant hypocrisy, casting a shadow over her campaign’s narrative.
A seasoned Democratic strategist described Porter’s campaign as “disastrous,” suggesting she’s become a liability for the party. The strategist pointed to a series of missteps that have plagued her run, fueling speculation about alternative candidates.
Steyer, known for his previous self-funded presidential campaign, framed his gubernatorial bid as a fight for affordability and a challenge to powerful corporate interests. He specifically targeted the oil and tobacco industries, highlighting a past record of confronting them.
Porter’s initial attack, posted online, included a news headline questioning Steyer’s sincerity, referencing his past investments in tobacco companies. The post quickly became a focal point for scrutiny, with commentators highlighting the financial support she received from the same figure.
Betty Yee, another Democratic candidate, dismissed Steyer’s entry into the race as a consolation prize after his failed presidential attempt. She argued that California’s governorship shouldn’t be within reach for someone attempting to “buy” the office.
Beyond the financial scrutiny, Porter’s campaign has also faced criticism regarding her interactions with both staff and the media. Recent viral videos depict instances of her sharply rebuking her team, raising questions about her leadership style.
A contentious interview with CBS California further fueled the narrative. Porter abruptly ended the conversation after a reporter questioned her strategy for appealing to voters who supported Donald Trump, dismissing the line of questioning as “unnecessarily argumentative.”
The crowded field of Democratic contenders includes prominent figures like former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Initial speculation about Vice President Kamala Harris’ involvement ultimately proved unfounded.
Other candidates vying for the governorship include state schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond, former Controller Betty Yee, and former Assemblyman Ian Calderon, setting the stage for a complex and fiercely contested primary battle.
