California Governor Primary Tightens as Steyer and Becerra Clash Over Policy and Influencer Payments

Billionaire hedge‑fund founder Tom Steyer is campaigning for California governor with a platform that calls for higher taxes on the ultra‑wealthy, stricter regulation of artificial‑intelligence technologies, and a pledge to keep Silicon Valley’s growth engine alive. Former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who has secured an endorsement from Rep. Jasmine Crockett – who said “Californians need a world‑class leader” – promotes progressive policies such as single‑payer health care but faces criticism over his record on policing, the death penalty and the oil industry. Both candidates are leading Democratic polls ahead of the June primary.

The race has escalated into a legal dispute over California’s 2023 influencer‑disclosure law. Steyer’s campaign filed a complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission alleging that Becerra‑supporting influencers were paid without the required disclosures. Becerra’s team rejected the claim, calling the posts “organic,” and in turn accused Steyer’s campaign of similar violations, prompting a counter‑complaint. Steyer defended his approach in a Substack post, stating, “Every creator we compensate has been and will be publicly disclosed as required by law.” A recent state‑party poll shows the contest narrowing to Democrat Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton for the June primary.