Billionaire Democrat Steyer Holds Fresno Town Hall on Shared Prosperity

Steyer touts his business background and progressive record as he aims to become California's next governor.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:05am

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A cinematic painting depicting a solitary political campaign bus or rally stage in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the human scale of the political process.A billionaire Democrat's quest to connect with voters in California's Central Valley highlights the challenges and opportunities facing political outsiders in the state's gubernatorial race.Fresno Today

Tom Steyer, a billionaire Democrat running for California governor, held a town hall event in Fresno on Tuesday night. Steyer, who has never held elected office before but ran for president in 2020, took questions from the audience on issues ranging from affordability to education. He emphasized his background in business and history of taking on corporate interests, and expressed confidence that he can win the gubernatorial race.

Why it matters

Steyer's town hall in the Central Valley highlights his efforts to connect with voters across the state as he seeks the Democratic nomination for governor. As a wealthy political outsider, he faces questions about his ability to understand the struggles of everyday Californians, but he argues his business experience and progressive record make him the best candidate to lead the state.

The details

During the town hall, Steyer spoke about his plans to strengthen California's K-12 education system by investing more money into schools through closing tax loopholes. He also discussed valley-specific issues like water and agriculture, touting his 'long history' with those topics. When asked about his wealth and how it relates to affordability, Steyer said his business background has given him the tools to take on corporate special interests and get results for Californians.

  • Steyer held the town hall event on Tuesday night in Fresno.
  • The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Tom Steyer

A billionaire Democrat running for California governor who has never held elected office before, but did run in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary. Steyer has been active in Democratic politics and fundraising for years, and touts his business background and progressive record.

Katie Porter

A Democrat also running for California governor, who recent polling shows is polling below Steyer but above Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton.

Eric Swalwell

A Democrat also running for California governor, who recent polling shows is polling below Steyer.

Chad Bianco

A Republican running for California governor, who recent polling shows is polling above Steyer.

Steve Hilton

A Republican running for California governor, who recent polling shows is polling above Steyer.

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What they’re saying

“It's important to go to every part of this state. And the San Joaquin Valley is a very important part of this state.”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

“I've registered 1.2 million Californians to vote. We have been working. We have a 20-person office for the last 10 years in Sacramento working on every progressive legislative issue. Actually, I have a long history of getting results for Californian citizens.”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

“I'm the person who has no conflicts. I'm not taking any money from any of these special interests. I'm not doing their bidding. And that's why I can take them on. That's why I can take on the electric monopolies. That's why I can take on the oil companies.”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

“I think the candidate who's going to win is going to be the hardest working candidate. I've never been outworked at any job in my entire life, and I don't intend to get outworked here.”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

“I have a very long history with agriculture, with environmental degradation, with runoff, with water. If you want someone to be governor who does understand agriculture and knows the issues with agriculture and the possibilities with agriculture and the implications for the human beings who live in the area, work in agriculture, that's honestly that's something I know a great deal about and care a great deal about.”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, and the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November.

The takeaway

As a wealthy political outsider, Steyer faces questions about his ability to connect with everyday Californians, but he argues that his business experience and progressive record make him the best candidate to lead the state and take on corporate special interests. His town hall in Fresno highlights his efforts to engage with voters across California as he seeks the Democratic nomination for governor.