Are there any Democratic standout in the CA governor's race?
So my friends consider me the guy who "follows politics" and they've all asked me who I'm going to vote for in the CA primary. Truth is, that I haven't decided yet. I've made a short summary of the leading candidates, but I'm wondering if I've missed anything before I share it with my friends. Any suggestions would be great!
First we have is Xavier Becerra:
Pros: He seems like a solid candidate. He's got a history with both the state and federal government. He went after human traffickers and is a big supporter of defending reproductive and LGBTQ rights
Cons: The only real criticisms that I've found for him have been largely partisan. Pretty much that he's a culture warrior due to his response to covid and defending abortion rights.
Next is Matt Mahan, the current mayor of San Jose.
Pros: He's made dealing homelessness a main issue and reforming law enforcement his main issues.
Cons: Sadly, there's not a lot to go on with him in terms of policy. He comes off as republican-lite. Very business oriented and seems to like criticizing government employees. He seems to think that instead of funding government programs, we should be letting for-profit organizations take the lead. Other than crime and homelessness, he's own website doesn't offer much on other issues.
Now we have Katie Porter, former CA representative 2019-2025:
Pros: Gives me Elizabeth Warren/Bernie Sanders vibes. Very much the defender of the consumer over big business. She's gone after banks, pharma, and credit card companies for shady business dealings. She wants universal health care. Socially progressive and wants to get dark money out of politics.
Cons: Like most progressive candidates, she is having trouble building a coalition/following. She has a habit of clashing with established leadership in the Democratic party. This tends to alienate her from a lot of moderates.
Last we have Tom Steyer, billionaire with no direct political experience.
Pros: Heavying into the environment; more focus on renewable energy and utility regulation. He wants to build more homes to lower costs. Favors higher taxes on the rich and closing corporate loopholes. Expanding education access and health care. He's actually been endorsed by Bernie Sanders' group.
Cons: His history is a big one. Hedge fund guy. While his recent words and actions has him firmly supporting reforming/dismantling ICE and environmental reform, he's made a lot of his money in private prisons and investing in coal and fossil fuels. He moved away from all of that in 2012. His lack of political experience. He's got good ideas, like breaking up monopolies to lower utility bills, but light on the specifics.
If you're still reading this, thanks! I really want to help my friends be informed on these candidates. Anyways, out of the 4, Katie Porter is the one who I would love to see in office. But the more pragmatic side of me thinks Tom Steyer would be the better candidate. Xavier Becerra would also be good. I'm rather torn on who to endorse at this point.