Steyer's Spending Surges in California Governor's Race Ahead
PUBLISHED Apr 19, 2026, 12:58 AM ET
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Los Angeles — Billionaire Tom Steyer has spent or booked over $115 million on broadcast, cable and radio advertising across California, saturating television and mobile ad inventories as campaigns and voters prepare for the June 2 primary. AdImpact data reported the spending, making his outlays nearly 30 times those of his nearest Democratic rival this election cycle. Los Angeles developments follow additional campaign shifts this week: Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign and resigned from Congress amid allegations and a criminal investigation, prompting Nexstar to commission a new poll to set April 22 debate qualifiers. If Steyer advances past the June 2 primary, his spending could approach or exceed the 2010 statewide record of $178.5 million.
By Michael Grant | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2010 — Meg Whitman spent $178.5 million in the California governor's race.
- April 2026 — AdImpact reports Tom Steyer spent or booked over $115 million in ads.
- April 18, 2026 — Fox40 reports Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign and resigned from Congress.
- Mid-April 2026 — Nexstar commissions a new poll to determine debate qualifications.
- June 2, 2026 — California primary when spending and candidate shifts will be tested.
News Intelligence
- Steyer's spending spree could impact your vote in the California primary. It's a reminder to research all candidates, not just the ones with the most ads. Check out unbiased sources like Ballotpedia to make an informed decision.
- Articles Published:
- 4
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
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- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 75%, Right 25%
Tom Steyer and media vendors benefited directly through expanded candidate visibility and substantial advertising revenue as a result of the $115 million-plus ad buys.
Rival candidates and public perceptions of campaign equity suffered as Steyer's self-funded media saturation shifted attention and debate qualification dynamics.
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