Former Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer may be making a political comeback in California. On Thursday, Steyer announced a $12 million donation to support a 2025 ballot initiative aimed at redrawing the state’s congressional map, raising speculation that he might throw his hat in the ring in next year’s race for governor.
The Democratic megadonor is no stranger to ballot initiatives. He previously backed measures to raise taxes on tobacco products and to use corporate tax revenue to fund clean energy and environmental programs in California schools.
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Ad campaign targets Trump’s influence in Congress
Steyer released an ad featuring an actor portraying President Donald Trump watching news coverage about California voters passing Proposition 50. The ad shows “Trump” erupting in a tantrum, throwing food at the television, before closing with the message, “Stick it to Trump. Vote yes on Prop 50.”
According to Politico, a spokesperson for Steyer said his efforts reflect his long-standing opposition to Trump.
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Tom Steyer launched the “Need to Impeach” campaign against Trump in 2017 before seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.
“He launched the ‘Need to Impeach’ campaign in 2017, long before Democrats in Washington acted on impeachment, and he’s strongly backing Prop 50 now because he knows it’s our best shot at stopping Trump’s power grab in Congress,” Kevin Liao said in a statement.
Proposition 50 is a Democratic-backed ballot measure that would give state legislators the temporary authority to redraw congressional districts. An independent commission currently oversees redistricting once every 10 years.
But after Republicans in Texas created new districts with the intent of increasing GOP representation in Congress, California Gov. Gavin Newsom asked lawmakers to place Proposition 50 on the ballot this fall. Supporters say the measure is meant to “level the playing field” and protect democracy nationwide.
The maps would be in place for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections. The independent redistricting commission would resume its work in 2031 after the next census.
Texas redistricting sparks nationwide ripple effect
Texas lawmakers set off a chain reaction among Republican-led states by moving to redraw congressional district maps. At Trump’s request, Gov. Greg Abbott called a special session to pursue redistricting, with the aim of adding five Republican seats to Congress and maintaining the party’s majority in the U.S. House.
The practice, known as gerrymandering, involves reshaping districts to give one party a political advantage. The newly approved maps in Texas are now being challenged in federal court over their legality.
Porter faces criticism amid tense interviews
Steyer’s re-emergence in California politics comes after the frontrunner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, Katie Porter, ended up in the headlines for the wrong reasons.
Porter faced criticism this week after Politico released a video showing her yelling and cursing at a former staffer. Days earlier, an interview with CBS News California grew tense when Porter threatened to walk out over the reporter’s questions.
Despite the backlash, several groups and endorsers defended Porter, describing her as a strong and fearless leader.
“In this critical moment in our country, we don’t need polite, go-along-to-get-along, establishment politicians who keep getting run over by the opposition — we need strong leaders like Katie Porter who are willing to call it like it is and stand up for everyday Californians,” said Peter Finn and Chris Griswold, co-chairs of Teamsters California.
Her recent behavior has complicated what was once seen as a clear path to the Democratic nomination. It could give a new candidate an opening, although several Democrats — including former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa — are already in the crowded race.
Who is Tom Steyer? The businessman turned political activist
Steyer is a businessman, philanthropist and political activist who built his fortune as a hedge fund investor before turning to progressive causes such as climate change and campaign reform. In 2013, he founded NextGen America to mobilize young voters and later launched the “Need to Impeach” campaign against Trump.
Steyer entered the 2020 Democratic presidential race as a self-funded candidate, spending millions of his own money but struggling to gain traction. After finishing third in South Carolina with about 11% of the vote, he suspended his campaign, citing no clear path to the nomination.
