Tom Steyer’s Flight Back to Reality
Tom Steyer, a billionaire running for governor of California, has been presenting himself as just another ordinary candidate. However, his campaign has been anything but typical, with an eye-popping expenditure of $192 million, which seems to have not paid off as expected.
On Wednesday, an onlooker was taken aback when they spotted Steyer waiting to board Southwest Airlines Flight 996 from Burbank to San Francisco around 1 p.m. At first, passengers believed the 68-year-old former hedge fund manager was attempting to come across as more relatable.
But then, it became clear that he wasn’t being recognized by anyone around him.
Travelers noted that Steyer was dressed casually in his signature white Nike sneakers and jeans, lacking any entourage, and was even seen managing his luggage by himself.
He blended in seamlessly on the flight, even fighting for space in the overhead bin for his belongings.
Steyer is a Democrat from San Francisco with a net worth estimated at $2.4 billion. He amassed his wealth as the founder of Farallon Capital, a hedge fund he operated for nearly 27 years before deciding to shift his focus towards climate advocacy and leftist politics.
This sighting comes as Steyer campaigns for the California governorship in 2026, where he’s currently positioned third, behind Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton.
His campaign has faced significant scrutiny, especially regarding its political optics. This election cycle, he has been criticized for investing $100,000 in influencer marketing, including payments to a Houston-based Uruguayan activist with over 22 million social media followers.
Steyer also encountered backlash after attending a May Day rally in East San Jose, where he was labeled a “class traitor.” This moment was highlighted by Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, president of the California Federation of Labor, who commented on his appearance, adding fuel to the ongoing discussions about his political stance and attempts to resonate with voters.
