BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) With California’s gubernatorial primary approaching, the race to become the state’s next leader remains wide open, even as the field begins to thin.
Eric Swalwell and Betty Yee have suspended their campaigns, but Democrats still do not have a clear frontrunner emerging from the crowded contest.
One candidate, Tom Steyer, has leaned heavily on his personal fortune to reach voters.
According to the Associated Press, Steyer has spent or booked more than $115 million in advertising on TV, cable and radio.
The AP reported that is 30 times the amount of his nearest Democratic rivals, who are spending about $3 million to $10 million.
California governor’s race remains wide open as Steyer pours $115M into campaign (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Despite the spending, a new Emerson College poll shows Steyer still trailing Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco.
Steyer was polling at 14%.
Among Democrats, the poll shows Steyer leading Xavier Becerra by one point.
Political consultant Tal Eslick said spending can generally help a campaign by expanding a candidate’s reach.
“I would say generally it does. That’s the idea that you would communicate on more sort of platforms to more voters is usually a good thing for a candidate,” Eslick said.
California governor’s race remains wide open as Steyer pours $115M into campaign. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Eslick also questioned whether Steyer’s spending is bringing new supporters into the race, while noting the advantages that come with a large budget.
“I think what they know about him is that he spent a tremendous amount of money on his campaign, so I don’t know what that does as far as bringing new folks into the fold. I do know with that level of resources you can get very targeted and very creative,” Eslick said.
Even with heavy advertising, Eslick said endorsements from prominent figures could still reshape the contest.
California governor’s race remains wide open as Steyer pours $115M into campaign (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
“Whether it’s Governor Newsom or former President Barrack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, you could see those folks that are still broadly popular in California begin to weigh in and have a real impact on this race,” Eslick said.