And billionaire Tom Steyer entered the crowded 2020 Democratic primary race Tuesday. The prominent Democratic donor and former hedge fund investor said he will put $100 million of his own money into his campaign, starting with television ads in key states. Steyer has repeatedly called for impeaching President Trump since Trump took office, but has focused his early campaign messaging on tackling climate change, creating a government-backed healthcare option and tackling Big Oil, Big Pharma and big banks.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, who raised $19 million over the last quarter with an average donation of $28, tweeted Tuesday, “The Democratic primary should not be decided by billionaires, whether they’re funding Super PACs or funding themselves. The strongest Democratic nominee in the general will have a coalition that’s powered by a grassroots movement,” while Senator Bernie Sanders said of Steyer’s bid, “I am a bit tired of seeing billionaires trying to buy political power.”
In more 2020 news, California Congressmember Eric Swalwell announced earlier this week he was dropping out of the presidential race.