Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Lauren Gambino in Los Angeles

A ‘tax-the-rich’ billionaire candidate? Democrats are intrigued

A man gestures with open arms while holding a microphone, speaking to a seated audience
Tom Steyer campaigns In Riverside, California, on 12 May 2026. Photograph: Brian Cahn/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

Tom Steyer has built his campaign for governor of California around affordability – and taxing the uber-wealthy.

It is perhaps an unusual message for a candidate with an estimated net worth of $2.4bn. But the hedge fund founder turned climate activist and liberal mega-donor is pitching himself as a different kind of billionaire: one who wants people like him to pay far more in taxes.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.