A progressive political organization founded by Bernie Sanders is drawing attention after endorsing a billionaire candidate in California’s gubernatorial race, despite its longstanding opposition to wealthy influence in politics, as reported by Fox News.

Our Revolution, a grassroots group aligned with Sanders’ political movement, announced its endorsement of Tom Steyer as he campaigns in a crowded field to become California’s next governor. The endorsement marks the first time the group has backed a billionaire candidate.

The organization has built its platform around reducing the role of corporate and billionaire money in elections and promoting candidates who support removing big-money influence from politics. However, that position did not prevent the group from backing Steyer, who has poured significant personal wealth into his campaign.

We're backing Tom Steyer for Governor of California!

Tom is leaning into universal solutions like single-payer healthcare, taxing extreme wealth, climate action, and ending the outsized influence of corporations in our democracy. Yes, he’s a billionaire. But he’s using his… pic.twitter.com/PkM4OZ8soZ — Our Revolution (@OurRevolution) April 20, 2026

According to state filings, Steyer has spent roughly $120 million of his own money on the race, a figure that far exceeds his Democratic rivals. Campaign finance records show that he has raised $161,485.47 from individual donors, representing less than 1% of his total campaign funds, with the remainder coming from his personal fortune.

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In announcing the endorsement, Our Revolution acknowledged Steyer’s billionaire status but argued that his policy platform aligns with the group’s priorities. The organization pointed to his support for initiatives such as single-payer healthcare, reducing corporate influence in politics, and policies aimed at “taxing extreme wealth.”

“Our Revolution has said the endorsement ‘is also about winning,’” the group noted in its statement.

Joseph Geevarghese, the group’s executive director, addressed the decision directly.

“Tom Steyer understands that California’s affordability crisis is not inevitable — it’s the result of a political system shaped by concentrated wealth and corporate power at the expense of working people,” Geevarghese said.

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“At a moment when too many defend the status quo, Tom has taken a different path — challenging the very system that benefits people like him.”

The endorsement also cited strategic considerations in a competitive race. “In a high-stakes race where Republicans could take the top spot, consolidating behind a candidate who is both values-aligned and building momentum is essential,” Our Revolution said.

“Our organizers on the ground in California are seeing real energy around Steyer for Governor — and that grassroots engagement helped drive this decision.”

Sanders, who has consistently criticized the influence of billionaires in politics, has referred to Steyer as a “friend.” At the same time, he has previously stated that he is not a “fan of billionaires getting involved” in political campaigns.

Steyer built his fortune through a hedge fund that managed approximately $20 billion at its peak. The fund invested in industries including coal and a private prison company that operated immigration detention centers.

Steyer has since expressed regret over some of those investments, stating they contributed to his decision to pursue political and policy efforts focused on climate change and other progressive causes.

Since stepping away from the hedge fund in 2012, Steyer has directed his resources toward environmental initiatives and clean energy advocacy. He has also supported multiple statewide ballot measures in California, several of which were successful. In addition, he ran for president in 2020 but did not secure the Democratic nomination.

Responding to the endorsement, Steyer said, “Our Revolution has done the hard, essential work of organizing and empowering progressive voters for a decade.” He added, “I’m honored to receive this endorsement, and as Governor, I’ll work tirelessly to realize our shared vision of a California that works for working people.”

Fox News Digital reported that it reached out to both Steyer and Our Revolution for additional comment.

Bernie Sanders group (Our Revolution) endorsed an old white billionaire, Tom Steyer for governor of California

What happened to - “All Billionaires are bad” - “Billionaires shouldn’t exist” - “Billionaires shouldn’t be involved in politics” pic.twitter.com/8Ex3Dn6xjy — Walton Wisdom (@TheWaltonWisdom) April 21, 2026

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