Billionaire Tom Steyer has shattered records by pouring $192.4 million of his personal fortune into his California gubernatorial campaign, far exceeding all other candidates combined. - Steyer's spending dwarfs all Democratic and Republican challengers combined, fueling a massive ad campaign.
- He faces skepticism from voters who have historically rejected wealthy self-funding candidates like Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina. - Steyer argues his long history of progressive activism sets him apart from previous wealthy candidates.
- His campaign promises include building 1 million affordable homes, cutting electric bills by 25%, and enacting single-payer healthcare. The unprecedented spending has kept Steyer near the top of polls in a volatile primary field, but California's history of rejecting self-funded candidates poses a significant challenge.