California Governor Race Heats Up as Becerra Takes Aim at Steyer’s Utility Ties

Clear Facts

• Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra is challenging billionaire Tom Steyer in California’s Democratic gubernatorial primary
• Becerra has accused Steyer of maintaining undisclosed connections with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
• The attack focuses on alleged hypocrisy between Steyer’s public environmental positions and his business relationships

The California governor’s race is taking a combative turn as former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra escalates his attacks on billionaire rival Tom Steyer over alleged ties to troubled utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric Company.

Becerra, who served in President Biden’s cabinet before launching his gubernatorial bid, has made Steyer’s relationship with PG&E a central theme of his campaign messaging. The former HHS secretary is painting his opponent as a hypocrite who publicly champions environmental causes while maintaining financial connections to a company with a troubled safety record.

PG&E has faced intense scrutiny in recent years over its role in California’s devastating wildfires. The utility filed for bankruptcy in 2019 after facing tens of billions of dollars in potential liabilities from fires sparked by its equipment. The company’s safety practices and political influence have become lightning rod issues in California politics.

Steyer, a hedge fund manager turned environmental activist, has built much of his political profile on climate advocacy and renewable energy promotion. He previously ran for president in 2020, spending over $200 million of his own fortune on the campaign before dropping out after poor showings in early primary states.

The Becerra campaign argues that Steyer’s investment history reveals a pattern of profiting from the very industries he claims to oppose publicly. This line of attack seeks to undermine Steyer’s credibility with progressive voters who have been drawn to his environmental messaging.

California’s gubernatorial race carries national implications as the state often serves as a testing ground for Democratic policy initiatives. The winner will face significant challenges including addressing the state’s housing crisis, managing water resources, and preventing future wildfire disasters.

Both candidates are competing in a crowded Democratic primary field, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election regardless of party affiliation under California’s jungle primary system.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.