Progressive Billionaire Candidates Gain Left Support
7 reported
According to a Vox report, left activists who support Sen. Bernie Sanders have rallied behind hedge fund billionaire Tom Steyer in his California governor campaign. Steyer has secured endorsements from Our Revolution, the California Nurses Association, and the Democratic Socialists of America’s California chapter, which called him the “most progressive of the current viable candidates for governor.” The article notes that Steyer is one of several wealthy politicians winning left enthusiasm, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Rep. Ro Khanna, and House candidate Saikat Chakrabarti. Each has built bridges to the left through different means, such as progressive governance or longtime ties to Sanders-world. The report highlights that left activists are optimistic these candidates will feel more beholden to them than to the traditional Democratic establishment and business interests. Some activists expressed mixed feelings about backing wealthy candidates but said if they say the right things on issues, they could be worth supporting. The article is based on a single source and has not been cross-referenced.
What’s reported
Tom Steyer has spent $132 million of his own money on his California governor campaign.
Steyer supports a wealth tax proposal and single-payer healthcare in California.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker impressed left writers with his progressive achievements in office.
Rep. Ro Khanna has an estimated median net worth of $232.7 million, largely from his wife’s trust.
Saikat Chakrabarti, who got wealthy from Stripe, is running for the House to succeed Nancy Pelosi.
Our Revolution executive director Joseph Geevarghese said, “Every billionaire is a policy failure,” but noted Steyer is ideologically aligned with their organization.
Recent polls show Steyer behind former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Republican candidates.
Key figures
Tom Steyer: hedge fund billionaire, California governor candidate
JB Pritzker: Illinois governor, billionaire
Rep. Ro Khanna: U.S. Representative from California
Saikat Chakrabarti: House candidate
Joseph Geevarghese: executive director of Our Revolution
Rebecca Katz: co-founder of Fight Agency
Katrina vanden Heuvel: editorial director and publisher of The Nation
Xavier Becerra: former Health and Human Services Secretary, California governor candidate
Sources: vox.com
