The race for California’s next governor just got a significant jolt. Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown has officially thrown his support behind billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, adding one of the state’s most recognizable political names to Steyer’s growing list of endorsers.
A Legendary Endorsement
Brown praised Steyer as fully informed, independent in thought, and focused on what serves the public best — calling him the kind of leader California needs at this critical moment. The former mayor expressed confidence in Steyer’s deep grasp of complex policy issues and his genuine willingness to engage with the real challenges facing everyday Californians.
Brown served as San Francisco’s mayor from 1996 to 2004 and remains one of the most influential figures in California Democratic politics. His seal of approval sends a clear message to moderate and establishment Democrats that Steyer is a credible, serious contender worth rallying behind.
Steyer welcomed the endorsement warmly, noting that California’s progress has always been built by leaders who turn bold ideas into real action — and pledging to work alongside Brown to move the state forward.
Where Steyer Stands in the Race
A recent California Democratic Party poll placed Steyer in fourth place at 12%, trailing frontrunners Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, who are currently tied at 18%. The June 2 primary will determine which top two finishers — regardless of party — advance to the November general election.
Steyer has largely self-financed his second run for governor, investing nearly $147 million of his own money. That figure represents the most spent by any candidate in the current gubernatorial race and ranks as the second highest in California campaign history, surpassed only by Meg Whitman’s 2010 run.
A Wave of Endorsements Building
The Brown endorsement doesn’t stand alone. It follows the California Service Employees International Union’s announcement of support for Steyer, with the union calling for a bold leader willing to stand with workers and push back against powerful corporate interests.
Steyer has also earned the backing of the California Nurses Association, representing over 100,000 professional nurses statewide, along with major education unions including the California School Employees Association, the California Federation of Teachers, and the California Teachers Association.
Progressive advocacy organization Courage California, the state’s largest multi-issue advocacy group, has endorsed Steyer as well, pointing to his long track record on climate advocacy, voter registration, single-payer healthcare, and holding corporations accountable.
What Steyer Is Running On
Steyer’s campaign centers squarely on California’s cost of living crisis. His platform takes aim at housing affordability, accessible education, universal public healthcare, closing corporate tax loopholes, climate change, and the soaring cost of energy. He frames himself as a candidate who will govern alongside the communities most affected by policy — not above them.
The Bottom Line
Willie Brown backing Tom Steyer is more than a headline — it is a strategic signal to California’s Democratic establishment that Steyer has the credibility and coalition to compete. With a historic war chest, a broadening base of union and progressive endorsements, and now a legendary political name firmly in his corner, Steyer is making a serious push ahead of the June primary. Whether it is enough to close the gap on the frontrunners remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this race is far from settled.