Times Opinion Weighs 9 Experts’ Views on California Governor Race as $130 Million Fails to Clarify Field
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 19
Times Opinion Weighs 9 Experts’ Views on California Governor Race as $130 Million Fails to Clarify Field
7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 19
Times Opinion convened 9 California experts to assess a chaotic gubernatorial primary, arguing no clear successor to Gavin Newsom has emerged as voting begins.
Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter and Tom Steyer anchor a crowded Democratic field, with panelists describing Becerra as the safest option, Porter as the most policy-specific, and Steyer as a disruptive but untested executive.
Steve Hilton was portrayed as a likely runoff contender and a sharp contrast to Democrats, while Antonio Villaraigosa and Matt Mahan drew notice for executive experience even as Villaraigosa remained stuck near 5% in polling.
Housing, homelessness, affordability and climate dominated the discussion, with experts citing a need for more than 70,000 affordable units a year and warning execution—not new ideas—will define the next governor.
The panel also flagged looming 2027 budget strain, federal Medicaid cuts, a proposed one-time 5% tax on billionaires, and AI-driven job losses as broader tests awaiting whoever wins.
What is California's backup plan if its proposed billionaire tax drives wealth away and fails to meet revenue goals?
How can California fix its housing crisis when a collapsing insurance market makes homes uninsurable?
How will tech companies navigate California's strict AI rules when they conflict with new federal policies?
California’s $160 Million Governor’s Race: Scandals, Influencer Tactics, and a Fractured Field Upend 2024 Primary
Overview
The report reveals how Tom Steyer’s campaign secretly paid social media influencers to post positive videos, making them appear organic while hiding the financial connection. This strategy, first exposed by the Sacramento Bee through a leaked memo, highlights the growing complexity of campaign finance in the digital age. The controversy has sparked questions about transparency and authenticity in political messaging, as well as concerns about voter trust. The New York Times further emphasized how political money is increasingly flowing to influencers, raising broader issues about disclosure and the evolving tactics used by campaigns to shape public opinion online.