Tom Steyer's shift on climate change indicates a new strategy for Democrats

SAN FRANCISCO The trajectory of Democratic priorities can be seen through the evolution of one political figure: Tom Steyer. Once celebrated as a billionaire environmental activist who placed climate change at the center of his political identity, Steyer avoided mentioning climate entirely in the video launching his campaign for California governor. This was a deliberate pivot.

Instead, Steyer emphasized economic issues, criticizing the wealthy and focusing on the kind of populist messaging that has propelled politicians like Sen. John Fetterman in Pennsylvania, as well as other potential 2026 candidates such as Graham Platner in Maine.

Everyone knows this race is really about affordability, said Rebecca Katz, Steyers campaign strategist. Tom wants to get back to basics.

This approach contrasts sharply with Steyers 2020 presidential run, when he declared climate his top priority, pledged to declare a climate emergency on day one, and challenged Joe Biden on climate policy. Yet it reflects a broader political reality for Democrats: voters are currently more concerned with the rising costs of living, electricity, and home insurance than with global warming.

Even in California, long a leader on environmental issues, a Public Policy Institute of California poll in October showed only 2% of likely voters considered environmental issues the most pressing concern. By comparison, the economy, inflation, and the cost of living dominated voter priorities. Concern about climate change in the state has declined since 2018, when 57% of voters considered it a serious threat; that number is now 50%.

Political allies view Steyers new focus as pragmatic. If youre talking about climate when people are struggling to pay rent, theyre just going to tune out, said former state Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, who first met Steyer at the 2015 UN climate conference in Paris.

Steyers polling reflects this shift: recent surveys place him at roughly 1%, though his personal fortune allows him to self-fund the campaign. However, California has a history of self-funded campaigns failing, as seen with Rick Carusos unsuccessful mayoral bid in Los Angeles. Critics have also attacked Steyer for promoting affordability while being a wealthy liberal.

Steyers campaign launched its first ad last month, targeting high utility bills and housing shortages, and he has actively engaged with President Trump on social media.

Other Democrats are similarly stepping back from climate activism. The California legislature recently scaled back the Environmental Quality Act, frustrating environmentalists, while Gov. Gavin Newsom has balanced international climate advocacy with a more moderate domestic stance. No clear climate-focused successor is emerging in the governors race. Potential contenders emphasize a range of issues: former Rep. Katie Porter highlights clean air laws further down her platform, Rep. Eric Swalwell focuses on his opposition to Trump, and ex-Health Secretary Xavier Becerra stresses healthcare experience. Former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa supports a broad all of the above energy approach, including gasoline vehicles.

Newsom acknowledged that current polls push Democrats toward other priorities: Theres not a poll or a pundit that suggests that Democrats should be talking about this, he said, while noting that improving messaging is essential.

For Steyer, the pivot is striking given his long-standing commitment to climate. After leaving Goldman Sachs and Farallon Capital Management, he dedicated himself to environmental causes in 2012, founding NextGen Climate Action Committee and funding Democratic climate candidates. His 2020 presidential bid, though unsuccessful, raised national awareness about climate issues.

Doug Rubin, a senior advisor, said Steyers environmental credentials remain strong, even if climate is no longer the centerpiece of his campaign. Longtime allies predict Steyer would continue championing environmental initiatives if elected, balancing them with economic messaging. Josh Fryday, former COO of NextGen Climate, said, Hes always going to end up doing the right thing for the environment and for our economy.

Environmental groups are withholding endorsements, hoping Steyers candidacy sparks substantive climate debate. Mike Young, executive director of California Environmental Voters, noted the field is still defining its positions, and few candidates are prioritizing climate.

Katz emphasized the difference in Steyers motivations: He ran for president to raise climate awareness, but hes running for governor to govern California.

Author: Ethan Caldwell