Key facts
- Progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Tom Steyer have not endorsed a key tax measure in California.
- Tom Steyer, a major progressive donor, indicated he would not fund the measure, advocating instead for property tax reform.
Despite California's reputation as a progressive stronghold, the state's Democratic party is experiencing internal friction. Progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and megadonor Tom Steyer have shown resistance to certain measures, highlighting a broader struggle for the left in the state.
The internal divisions within California's Democratic party and the struggles of progressive candidates highlight a broader tension within the national party regarding policy direction and electoral strategy, potentially impacting future legislative outcomes and election results.
California, long considered a bastion of progressive politics, is facing internal challenges within the Democratic party, with key progressive figures expressing reservations about certain policy initiatives. Despite the ascendance of the populist left in Democratic contests nationwide, prominent figures like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have remained silent on a significant tax measure, even after a direct appeal at a POLITICO event.
Billionaire megadonor Tom Steyer, who previously called the tax "better than nothing," told POLITICO he does not plan to allocate funds to support it. Steyer suggested that while the measure addresses a problem, a more substantial overhaul of the state's property-tax system is needed, a stance he advocated during his unsuccessful gubernatorial bid. This resistance is notable in a state where progressive ideals have historically thrived.
The left in California is also contending with other potential challenges, including a voter ID initiative, a priority for President Donald Trump, and another measure aimed at making local tax increases more difficult to pass. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat with moderate leanings, observed that many voters are weary of Democratic handling of issues such as homelessness, crime, and underperforming schools.
Structural factors in California also present hurdles for the left. The state's vast size and costly media markets tend to favor business-aligned Democrats who secure financial backing from industries like tech, real estate, and healthcare. This was evident in Steyer's own gubernatorial campaign, where he spent over $200 million, yet a moderate candidate, Xavier Becerra, advanced from the primary. Similarly, other progressive candidates have faltered against well-funded opposition from business-aligned donors.
This trend is also visible in San Francisco, where Daniel Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune and a moderate Democrat, successfully mobilized voters to defeat a ballot measure targeting large corporations for tax increases.