SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — In his bid for California governor, Democratic candidate Tom Steyer held a San Diego town hall on Tuesday.

Steyer, a billionaire and climate activist, is one of many candidates vying to replace Governor Gavin Newsom with his term ending this year. There are eight Democrats and two Republicans in the race. Currently, Steyer, former Representative Katie Porter, and Representative Eric Swalwell are leading democratic support.

During the town hall at Liberty Station, Steyer said his goal with his “Prosperity Tour” was to connect with people across the state. He added that his campaign strategy was not to speak with the other candidates, but to the voters.

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“The way we’re going to win this, honestly, is people are going to start to focus,” Steyer said. “And when they focus, they’re going to want the most progressive candidate in this race—which I think is me across the board.”

Some San Diego state leaders have thrown their support behind Steyer, including Assemblymember Chris Ward and former gubernatorial candidate and state Senator Toni Atkins.

“I endorsed Tom Steyer because this is personal for him, as it is for me, as it is for each and every one of you,” Ward said as he introduced Steyer at the town hall. “We have a sincere vision for a better future, and we know that future is possible here in California.”

On the campaign trail, Steyer has run on issues such as single-payer health care, breaking up electric companies like PG&E and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Additionally, Steyer has advocated for higher taxes on the wealthy—including himself—and increasing investments in Home Supportive Services.

Despite running under a populist framework, some at the rally raised criticisms against Steyer, specifically regarding previous business dealings his company was involved with.

Attendees confront Tom Steyer on his history with previous company ties to a private prison company. (KSWB/KUSI)

Attendees confront Tom Steyer on his history with previous company ties to a private prison company. (KSWB/KUSI)

Attendees confront Tom Steyer on his history with previous company ties to a private prison company. (KSWB/KUSI)

Attendees confront Tom Steyer on his history with previous company ties to a private prison company. (KSWB/KUSI)

Assemblymember Chris Ward explains why he endorsed Tom Steyer for California governor at a San Diego town hall. (KSWB/KUSI)

Assemblymember Chris Ward explains why he endorsed Tom Steyer for California governor at a San Diego town hall. (KSWB/KUSI)

Farallon Capital Management, the Steyer founded hedge fund, previously bought shares in private prison company Corrections Corporation of America.

Steyer left the hedge fund in 2012, however his ties have drawn criticism from other democratic candidates like Swalwell and Porter.

“I said at the time this was just a mistake, but it was more than that,” Steyer responded. “It was a wakeup call that what I was doing not what I wanted to do with my life. There’s a reason I walked away from a huge business that I had built from scratch. There’s a reason I left all that money on the table. There’s a reason my wife and I are giving our money away. Because running that fund gave a value system I don’t agree with.”

California has a top two primary system, meaning the top two candidates with the most votes in June will move forward to the November election—regardless of political party. Eric Swalwell is leading the race with Steve Hilton (R) and Steyer behind, according to Emerson College Polling.

A quarter (25%) of Californians remain undecided. Voters can cast their ballots for their preferred candidate in the Primary Election on June 2.

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