California’s Democratic Socialists of America have endorsed billionaire Tom Steyer in the state’s gubernatorial race, while simultaneously attacking his business background. Steyer, a former hedge fund executive who founded Farallon Capital, is worth more than $2 billion and has spent heavily on political campaigns, including his failed 2020 presidential run. In its voter guide, the California chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America described Steyer as the “most progressive” viable candidate in the race, despite accusing him of building his fortune through capitalism and worker exploitation. They wrote:
Despite being a billionaire, he supports taxing the rich and supports the Billionaire Tax currently on California’s ballot, which CA DSA has endorsed. He has done an about-face from his previous position to now supporting state-level Medicare for All. He has called ICE a “violent extremist group” and outlined how he, as governor, would prosecute ICE agents.
