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Steyer Shifts Focus, No Longer Evaluating Newsom's Performance

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, March 24th 2026 at 12:55 GMT by New York Post
      Locale: UNITED STATES

San Francisco, CA - March 24th, 2026 - Billionaire philanthropist and former presidential candidate Tom Steyer signaled a distinct shift in his engagement with California politics today, stating he would no longer assess the performance of Governor Gavin Newsom, despite previously leading efforts to recall the governor. Speaking in a virtual interview with Bloomberg, Steyer explained that offering a grade or evaluation of Newsom's governorship is "not my job," and that his current focus is on accelerating progress on critical state issues like homelessness and climate change.

This marks a notable departure for Steyer, who was a key figure in the 2021 recall campaign aimed at removing Newsom from office. While he didn't explicitly detail his reasoning for withdrawing from direct evaluation of the governor, it suggests a strategic recalibration towards a broader advocacy role. The 2021 recall attempt, spurred by discontent over Newsom's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic policies, and a growing homelessness crisis, ultimately failed, but not before Steyer invested significant resources into the effort. The recall highlighted deep divisions within the Democratic party in California, with some progressive voices feeling Newsom had not gone far enough to address systemic issues.

"It's not about individual performance; it's about the state's trajectory," Steyer emphasized. "We have to keep improving, and that requires a collective focus on solutions, not scorecards." This statement is being interpreted by political analysts as a move away from divisive partisan politics and towards a more collaborative approach to tackling California's most pressing challenges.

Steyer's philanthropic work has long been centered around environmental issues and economic justice. His organization, NextGen America, has consistently championed policies aimed at combating climate change and promoting clean energy. However, he's increasingly focused his giving on addressing the root causes of homelessness, a problem that continues to plague California cities and generate national headlines. Recent reports indicate that homelessness remains stubbornly persistent despite billions of dollars spent on various programs, prompting growing frustration among voters and policymakers.

"We're still not moving as fast as we need to on those issues," Steyer reiterated, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He specifically pointed to the need for more innovative and scalable solutions to address the housing shortage, mental health crisis, and addiction issues that contribute to homelessness. He has been privately meeting with various stakeholders - including local government officials, non-profit organizations, and technology entrepreneurs - to explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities.

While Steyer has stepped back from actively campaigning against Newsom, he continues to be a significant political player in the state. His substantial wealth and established network allow him to exert influence through lobbying, campaign contributions, and philanthropic funding. His current strategy appears to be to push for policies aligned with his priorities regardless of who is in office. This approach could be seen as an attempt to build a broader coalition around key issues and achieve more lasting results.

Political observers suggest Steyer's shift also reflects a broader trend of wealthy individuals increasingly focusing on problem-solving rather than direct electoral intervention. While super PACs and campaign spending remain significant forces in American politics, some donors are beginning to prioritize long-term investments in systemic change. This could involve supporting research and development, funding innovative programs, and advocating for policy reforms.

Newsom's office has not yet issued a statement in response to Steyer's comments. However, sources within the administration suggest a willingness to engage with Steyer on areas of mutual interest. The governor faces re-election in 2026 and is currently considered a strong favorite. However, he is likely to face challenges from both the left and the right, making Steyer's potential endorsement or opposition a factor to watch. Ultimately, Steyer's decision to move beyond evaluating Newsom suggests he believes he can be more effective as a catalyst for progress by focusing on the issues themselves, rather than the individuals holding office.