Progressive Group Backs Billionaire Steyer for Governor Amid Fears of Republican Win

Our Revolution, the progressive organization born from Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, has endorsed Tom Steeyer, a hedge-fund billionaire, in the race for California governor. The group’s decision comes as progressives worry about handing the state’s top office to a Republican if they fail to unite behind a strong candidate.

The endorsement was announced Monday, with Our Revolution citing Steeyer’s alignment with their mission to challenge corporate power in politics. While acknowledging concerns about his wealth, the group emphasized that Steeyer is the most ideologically aligned and strategically viable option to prevent a Republican victory. “The worst thing that could happen is a Republican winning,” said Joseph Geevarghese, Our Revolution’s executive director.

Current polling shows two Republicans—former Fox News host Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco—in the lead ahead of California’s June 2 primary. With no clear Democratic frontrunner, progressives are grappling with how to consolidate support. Steeyer has emerged as a top choice after Rep. Eric Swalwell, once seen as a progressive leader, dropped out amid sexual assault allegations.

Geevarghese noted that Steeyer aggressively pursued the group’s endorsement, while other candidates like former Rep. Katie Porter have struggled to gain momentum despite strong backing from progressive organizations. The decision reflects a strategic shift within the progressive movement, prioritizing electoral viability over ideological purity in a high-stakes political landscape.