FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) \u2014 As the California gubernatorial race enters its final stretch, Democratic candidate Tom Steyer is making a push through the Central Valley \u2014 focusing on issues he says directly impact Valley residents, including affordability, water, agriculture, and air quality.<\/p>\n
Steyer stopped in Fresno Saturday, just 10 days before Election Day, where he met with voters and discussed his vision for the state if elected governor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe two biggest reasons that I have come to Fresno \u2014 one, to make sure that this big valley and its agricultural issues are things that I understand,\u201d Steyer said.<\/p>\n
At the top of Steyer\u2019s agenda was affordability. He says lowering costs for Californians begins with housing, outlining plans to build one million affordable homes, expand renter tax credits, and push for single-payer healthcare.<\/p>\n
In the Central Valley, however, Steyer pointed to another major financial burden: electricity costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cFresno has some of the highest electricity rates in the United States of America,\u201d Steyer said. \u201cI have said that I will take on and break the monopoly power of the three big electric monopolies, including PG&E in the state of California.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steyer says his plan would lower electricity costs by 25% through increased local competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I drive down costs by one-fourth, they will still be 50% higher than the average in the United States of America,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Beyond affordability, Steyer said understanding the Valley also means addressing ongoing water concerns. He emphasized the need for long-term water management solutions, including water storage, reuse, and groundwater sustainability.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about the collection and storage of water. It\u2019s about the reuse of water. It\u2019s about using the groundwater carefully and maintaining the aquifer over time,\u201d Steyer said. \u201cBecause I know parts of this Valley are subsiding because there\u2019s been so much water drained out of the aquifer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Air quality was another key issue discussed during the visit. Steyer specifically referenced southwest Fresno, where residents have long raised concerns about pollution and environmental health disparities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe air quality is terrible and the environmental injustice in this Valley exists,\u201d Steyer said. \u201cSome parts of Fresno, southwest Fresno, have a very different life expectancy than the rest of Fresno.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steyer said he has spent years visiting the region to better understand the challenges residents face firsthand.<\/p>\n
During our interview, I asked how he would ensure Central Valley communities are heard in Sacramento, especially as many residents say state leaders often prioritize issues in Los Angeles and San Francisco.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, in all these things, the question is, what is your style of relating to people?\u201d Steyer said. \u201cI can tell you one thing \u2014 what I don\u2019t like to hang out with: corporate consultants.\u201d<\/p>\n
We also discussed Steyer\u2019s substantial wealth and whether it creates an ethical divide between him and voters. Critics have questioned whether a billionaire can effectively speak on affordability issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d say two things,\u201d Steyer responded. \u201cOne, I\u2019ve never inherited a penny in my life. I basically started a business, it went well, and I quit it 14 years ago to give back to the people in the state of California.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steyer defended his record, arguing that despite his wealth, he has consistently advocated for working-class Californians.<\/p>\n
\u201cI may be a billionaire,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I\u2019m the billionaire consistently fighting for working people while the career politicians are serving the billionaires and serving the big corporations.\u201d<\/p>\n