California Gubernatorial Race Heats Up
Xavier Becerra, the Democratic candidate for California governor and former Secretary of Health and Human Services, is intensifying his campaign by targeting opponent Tom Steyer, a billionaire, over his perceived connections to Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E).
During the Memorial Day weekend, Becerra’s promotional account criticized Steyer for hypocrisy, noting that large corporations like PG&E were financially backing efforts against his campaign.
One notable post from Becerra’s account referenced a July 2025 Instagram post by Steyer, in which he expressed pleasure in discussing AI’s energy requirements with PG&E CEO Patricia Poppe.
“Less than a year ago, Tom Steyer was hanging out with PG&E CEO Patti Poppe,” remarked Friends of XB, which identifies as Becerra’s campaign base. “But he changed! That was a few months ago!”
Additionally, Friends of XB shared another piece featuring a LinkedIn post from Poppe, where she mentioned enjoying her conversation with Steyer regarding energy’s future at an event run by Galvanize Climate Solutions, an investment firm Steyer co-founded.
“Tom Steyer: PG&E hates me!” stated Becerra’s account. “PG&E CEO: I love being with Tom Steyer!”
It’s noteworthy that PG&E has set up a $10 million political action committee specifically to oppose Steyer’s campaign.
On his part, Steyer, the sole billionaire candidate in the race, has labeled PG&E as an adversary, aiming to resonate with his far-left voter base.
“I’m really pissed off at PG&E,” Steyer expressed in a December campaign ad, attributing the state’s steep utility bills to the company.
Recent polling indicates that Becerra’s support has surged, tightening the race. Earlier in May, he was among the top three contenders with roughly 13% backing, and new data suggests he may even be pulling ahead of Steyer and other challengers.
Becerra, Steyer, and Republican candidate Steve Hilton are all competing for a leading position in the California gubernatorial primary set for June 2nd.
