{"id":2607404,"date":"2026-05-27T12:54:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T16:54:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/steyer-sinks-195-million-into-california-campaign-for-marginal-polling-gains\/"},"modified":"2026-05-27T12:55:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T16:55:09","slug":"steyer-sinks-195-million-into-california-campaign-for-marginal-polling-gains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/steyer-sinks-195-million-into-california-campaign-for-marginal-polling-gains\/","title":{"rendered":"Steyer sinks $195 million into California campaign for marginal polling gains"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fsteyer-sinks-195-million-into-california-campaign-for-marginal-polling-gains%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2607404&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer set a record for the most money spent on a political campaign this year, buying at least $195 million in ads for his run for California governor. Despite increased visibility and some recent gains,polling suggests he\u2019s still competing closely with other top candidates: a New York Times-curated poll has Steve Hilton leading Steyer by 7 points,while an Emerson College poll shows Xavier Becerra ahead of Steyer by 1 point.<\/p>\n<p>Steyer\u2019s campaign says a new poll shows Steyer and Becerra tied at 19%, with Hilton at 22%, arguing the race is tight going into the june 2 primary. It also claims Steyer has gained 4 points as late April even while facing $30 million in negative ads, and that becerra\u2019s momentum has slowed.<\/p>\n<p>Spending levels remain a major point of contention. Steyer\u2019s outlay dwarfs other Democrats\u2019 totals, with Becerra spending about $9.75 million, and Steyer\u2019s net worth reported at $2.4 billion.Former Rep. Katie Porter argues that Steyer\u2019s spending disadvantages other candidates and accuses him of \u201ctrying to buy the governor\u2019s office.\u201d Steyer has previously dismissed criticism that his wealth allows him to buy political outcomes,including his 2020 presidential bid.<\/p>\n<p>California\u2019s nonpartisan primary advances the top two candidates to the general election, and Steyer\u2019s team believes Hilton and Republican Chad Bianco are unlikely to secure both top spots given Steyer\u2019s recent polling and momentum.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Billionaire <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/tom-steyer\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"2792\">Tom Steyer<\/a>, a Democrat who\u2019s running for governor of <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/california\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"60\">California<\/a>, broke the record for the most money spent on a political campaign this year with an advertising buy worth at least $195 million.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the campaign spending isn\u2019t entirely translating to poll performance. Steyer has recently made some gains, but he generally remains behind fellow Democrat <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/xavier-becerra\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1719\">Xavier Becerra<\/a> and Republican candidate Steve Hilton ahead of next week\u2019s gubernatorial primary.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4581881\/rob-bonta-gubernatorial-candidates-paying-influencers-endorsements\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>California attorney general \u2018looking into\u2019 gubernatorial candidates paying influencers for endorsements<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4581069\/trump-endorse-ty-masterson-kansas-governor\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Trump endorses Ty Masterson for Kansas governor<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4579864\/spencer-pratt-mayoral-run-traction-inconsistencies\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Spencer Pratt\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >viral mayoral run gains traction<\/a> in Los Angeles despite inconsistencies in messaging<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest poll in a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/polls\/california-governor-election-polls-2026.html\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/polls\/california-governor-election-polls-2026.html\">list curated<\/a> by the <em>New York Times<\/em> shows Hilton leading Steyer by 7 points, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/majority-of-voters-say-impeachment-inquiry-will-hold-biden-accountable-poll\/\" title=\"Poll: Most voters believe impeachment inquiry will hold Biden accountable.\">separate poll conducted<\/a> by Emerson College shows Becerra leading Steyer by 1 point.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steyer\u2019s campaign released <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsteyer.com\/press\/new-poll-steyer-tied-with-becerra-in-dead-heat-for-top-two-spot\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.tomsteyer.com\/press\/new-poll-steyer-tied-with-becerra-in-dead-heat-for-top-two-spot\">new polling<\/a> on Wednesday that shows both him and Becerra tied at 19% while Hilton stands at 22%, demonstrating how close the race is in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/pentagon-announces-official-end-to-u-s-war-in-afghanistan\/\" title=\"Pentagon Announces Official End To U.S. War In Afghanistan\">final days leading<\/a> up to the June 2 primary.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steyer is optimistic he can gain ground in the crowded race. More than 50 names appear on the ballot. His campaign touted how the billionaire has been able to gain 4 points since late April despite facing $30 million spent on negative ads against him.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis poll confirms what we\u2019re hearing on the ground across California: voters are looking for an outsider who will take on the political establishment to lower costs and deliver real change,\u201d campaign manager Heather Hargreaves said. \u201cXavier Becerra\u2019s momentum has stalled as voters are taking a closer look at his candidacy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steyer\u2019s massive campaign spending total dwarfing other Democratic candidates. Becerra has spent roughly $9.75 million, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/california-governor-tom-steyer-billionaire-advertising-ed00b8f4ef4fcfa3b30bc8864a7873bb\">according<\/a> to the <em>Associated Press<\/em>. Steyer\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/profile\/thomas-steyer\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/profile\/thomas-steyer\/\">net worth<\/a> amounts to $2.4 billion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Former Democratic Rep. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/katie-porter\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"10247\">Katie Porter<\/a>, who is also running to succeed Gov. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/gavin-newsom\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1426\">Gavin Newsom<\/a> (D-CA), argues Steyer\u2019s spending puts other candidates at a notable disadvantage. Her campaign accuses him of \u201ctrying to buy the governor\u2019s office.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Months before dropping his long-shot bid for the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/white-house\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"8767\">White House<\/a> in 2020, Steyer addressed criticism that he was using his vast wealth to buy the presidency.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s possible,\u201d he <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/151c99bceab2457a9bc846989385e8b9\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/151c99bceab2457a9bc846989385e8b9\">told the <em>Associated Press<\/em><\/a>  at the time. \u201cI\u2019m never going to apologize for succeeding in business. That\u2019s America, right?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4581881\/rob-bonta-gubernatorial-candidates-paying-influencers-endorsements\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4581881\/rob-bonta-gubernatorial-candidates-paying-influencers-endorsements\/\">CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL \u2018LOOKING INTO\u2019 GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES PAYING INFLUENCERS FOR ENDORSEMENTS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California operates a nonpartisan primary that pits the top two candidates against each other in the general election. It remains to be seen whether Hilton and fellow Republican Chad Bianco secure the top two spots, but Steyer\u2019s campaign believes that scenario is \u201cnearly impossible\u201d given Steyer\u2019s latest polling numbers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere are now three candidates competing for two spots, and Tom Steyer has the momentum heading into the final days of the campaign,\u201d Hargreaves said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Billionaire Tom Steyer sets spending record, but polls lag behind<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2159,"featured_media":2607405,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP26135095004593.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[80338,69845,5894,15698],"class_list":["post-2607404","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-california-elections-2","tag-campaign-finance-2","tag-politics","tag-polling"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP26135095004593.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607404","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2607404"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607404\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2607408,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607404\/revisions\/2607408"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2607405"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2607404"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2607404"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2607404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}