Businessman and climate activist Tom Steyer presented himself as the “change candidate” in California’s race for governor, promising to confront powerful corporate interests, lower living costs and expand healthcare access for millions of Californians.

During an interview organized by American Community Media, Steyer argued that California has become unaffordable for working families and blamed corporate monopolies and special interests for rising housing, healthcare, energy and insurance costs.

A businessman turned political activist

Steyer, founder of NextGen America and longtime climate advocate, highlighted his background as an entrepreneur who built a multibillion-dollar investment company before leaving business to focus on public causes.

He emphasized his record funding affordable housing, climate initiatives and voter registration campaigns, including helping register 1.2 million young Californians to vote.

The candidate also pointed to the nonprofit community bank he founded with his wife, which has financed 17,000 low-income housing units across California.

Affordable housing and healthcare reform

One of Steyer’s main campaign promises is building one million affordable homes in California. He also strongly defended implementing a single-payer healthcare system, calling healthcare “a right for every Californian.” Steyer acknowledged such a system would require major structural reforms and federal cooperation but insisted the current healthcare model is unsustainable.

“The escalating costs of healthcare are bankrupting families, businesses and the state itself,” he said. Steyer additionally pledged to confront pharmaceutical companies over rising drug prices, accusing the industry of manipulating the political system to protect profits.

Tough stance on immigration and ICE

On immigration, Steyer adopted one of the strongest positions in the race, openly criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and supporting aggressive protections for immigrant communities.

“I believe ICE is a criminal organization,” Steyer said, while clarifying that a California governor cannot abolish the federal agency directly.

He promised to prosecute ICE agents accused of racial profiling or violence against Californians, inspect detention facilities and expand legal defense funds for immigrants facing deportation. Steyer also defended California’s immigrant population, calling immigrants essential to the state’s economy and identity.

Climate agenda tied to economic relief

Known nationally for his climate activism, Steyer argued that environmental policies and lowering living costs can go hand in hand. He proposed cutting electricity rates by 25% by reforming utility regulation and increasing local competition against utility monopolies.

Steyer also accused oil companies of profiting excessively from global conflicts and proposed a windfall profits tax on the industry, with the money returned directly to Californians struggling with high gas prices. “Clean energy is cheaper,” he said. “We need to put money back into the pockets of Californians.”