Others accused him of trying to "buy his way into political office" and suggested labor groups were aligning with him for financial backing. Democrat billionaire Tom Steyer is drawing fire after appearing at a May Day rally in East San Jose alongside a well-known labor leader, where he was labeled a “class traitor,” and embraced for it.
The optics of a billionaire donning anti-billionaire messaging quickly ignited criticism online, with detractors blasting both Steyer and organized labor for what they see as political opportunism.
Some users pointed to Steyer’s failed 2020 Democratic presidential bid, noting he “wasted millions of dollars and couldn’t last one presidential democrat primary in South Carolina,” adding that he dropped out before Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris.
Others accused him of trying to “buy his way into political office” and suggested labor groups were aligning with him for financial backing.
Critics also questioned his policy positions, claiming he has reversed course on single-payer healthcare and warn his leadership could worsen California’s high costs.One commenter dismissed the rally moment as empty symbolism: “putting on a slogan shirt is all it takes to fool you.”
The backlash comes as progressive group Our Revolution, founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders, endorsed Steyer’s gubernatorial bid despite its anti-billionaire stance.
The organization defended the move, stating on its website: “Yes, Tom Steyer is a billionaire. But it matters what he is doing with that power.”
Another user commented on the departure of wealthy residents from California, posing the question, “Where are the workers supposed to work with all the billionaires fleeing the state?”
Meanwhile, Steyer’s campaign is facing resistance from corporate interests.
Utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has poured nearly $10 million into a political action committee opposing him, according to recent state filings.
The PAC, Californians for Resilient and Affordable Energy, is backing another group, California Is Not For Sale, which has launched a wave of anti-Steyer ads.
Steyer has made PG&E a central target, blaming it for soaring energy costs and pledging to slash utility bills by 25%.
He has also proposed breaking up electric monopolies and raising taxes on the wealthy as part of his campaign platform.
Despite the attention, Steyer remains a long shot in a crowded race.
A recent EMC Research poll shows Xavier Becerra leading, tied at 19% with Republican Steve Hilton, who has received backing from President Donald Trump.
