CULVER CITY, Calif. (KABC) — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer met with Los Angeles-area voters on Saturday during a stop on his Shared Prosperity town hall tour, outlining his priorities as the race for governor intensifies.
Steyer, a billionaire and the wealthiest candidate on the ballot, spoke to attendees in Culver City about affordability – a theme he said will anchor his campaign.
“My campaign starts with affordability,” Steyer said. “Californians can’t afford to live in California, and that starts with housing, but it goes to healthcare. It goes to electricity cause it goes to food cost. It goes to gasoline cost.”
Residents of different ages and backgrounds attended the event as the crowded field of candidates continues to campaign ahead of the primary.
The list includes current and former members of Congress – Katie Porter, Rep. Eric Swalwell and Xavier Becerra, who later served as the Biden administration’s top health official – former state controller Betty Yee, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; state schools superintendent Tony Thurmond; and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
The leading GOP candidates are Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton, both supporters of President Donald Trump.
For some attendees at Steyer’s event, the upcoming election marks their first time voting for governor.
“I’ve only known Gavin Newsom as governor for my whole collective memory, so getting to see real new candidates for the first time, especially ones that talk about the kind of change that people like Tom Steyer and Swalwell and Katie Porter are talking about. It’s really something new for me,” voter Joshua said.
With about 80 days until the primary, candidates from both parties are stepping up their efforts to connect with voters. USC student Sean Kim said he showed up to support Steyer.
“I think he is someone who is different from these PAC politicians or those who only speak up for special interest. Tom Steyer is for the people and he wants to give the vote and voice back to the citizens of California,” Kim said.
The governor primary election is scheduled for June 2.
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