Billionaire Gubernatorial Candidate Pushes Affordability in Fresno Visit

Tom Steyer, a Democratic candidate for California governor, focused on housing and utility costs during a campaign stop in Fresno.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone political campaign sign or billboard set against a backdrop of warm, golden sunlight and deep, dramatic shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation around the state's economic issues.Steyer's affordability-focused campaign stop in Fresno reflects the economic challenges facing many Californians.Fresno Today

Tom Steyer, a billionaire running for California governor, visited Fresno on Wednesday with a message largely focused on affordability and opposition to the Trump administration. Steyer said he would work to help build 1 million new homes across the state and introduce local competition against utility providers like PG&E to drive down energy costs. He also criticized President Trump as a 'criminal' and called for abolishing ICE.

Why it matters

As one of the more progressive candidates in the crowded California gubernatorial race, Steyer's visit to Fresno highlights the key issues of housing affordability and utility costs that are impacting many residents in the Central Valley. His proposals to increase housing construction and introduce utility competition could have significant implications for the region if enacted.

The details

During his Fresno visit, Steyer said he would work to get 1 million new homes built across California by making it easier to finance and construct housing through streamlined permitting and replacing local development fees. He also took aim at the state's utility providers, saying he would introduce local competition against 'electric monopolies' like PG&E to drive down energy costs. Steyer referred to himself as 'the billionaire who will take on the billionaires' in his effort to address affordability issues.

  • Steyer visited Fresno on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The California gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Tom Steyer

A billionaire Democratic candidate for California governor, who founded the hedge fund Farallon Capital Management before leaving in 2012 to focus on 'work for the community'.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, whom Steyer criticized as a 'criminal' who 'breaks the law every day'.

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News host and Republican candidate for California governor.

Chad Bianco

The Riverside County Sheriff and Republican candidate for California governor.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Bay Area Congressman and candidate for California governor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'The number one problem that people have in California is they can't afford to live in California, and that's the truth.'”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

“'Call me the billionaire who will take on the billionaires, because somebody's got to do it.'”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

“'Do we need immigration services? Of course. Do we need armed men with masks shooting Americans with impunity? Absolutely not.'”

— Tom Steyer, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

Steyer plans to return to Fresno later in his campaign as he continues his push for the California governorship.

The takeaway

Steyer's visit to Fresno highlights the key issues of housing affordability and utility costs that are impacting many Central Valley residents. His progressive policy proposals, including building 1 million new homes and introducing utility competition, could significantly shape the California gubernatorial race if enacted.