There is no perfect candidate because there are no perfect people. To be human on this planet is to make regrettable mistakes. However, the only human beings worth electing are those who acknowledge past mistakes, learn from them, and understand that they are likely to make new mistakes and are willing to take responsibility for them. I once admired Eric Swalwell and thought he might make a decent governor until I learned about his sexual abuse of women and that he covered it up instead of making amends. It was right for him to drop out of the race. It seems that Democrats always cut and run when they have been found out. Republicans, on the other hand, are not only unrepentant in of transgressions, but they keep on transgressing as if laws, rules, and morality do not apply to them. After Swalwell dropped out, I was in search of another candidate to support for governor of our great state of California.
I listened to a full debate and watched several interviews with different candidates. I’ve seen the television ads. After everything, I’ve landed on the billionaire Tom Steyer. He’s acknowledged some poor decisions and short-sighted viewpoints in his past. His business investments in some companies that he now criticizes made him a billionaire. What matters now is what he plans to do with those billions. Using his money to improve the lives of Californians is a good use of that money.
Steyer is spending his own money to fund his campaign which means he isn’t beholden to the backroom deals made by AI tech bros and other wealthy donors and corporations. We need that. Just as important to me, Steyer is a progressive. He cares about the environment and has a detailed plan to help California deal with the wildfire situation caused by climate change. He will ensure that homes are fortified, that bush is cleared and that insurance companies acknowledge the risk mitigation efforts of homeowners in their premium pricing.
I like that he is for single payer health insurance and for taxing the rich. I agree with his desire to abolish ICE and to replace the agency with a law-abiding immigration enforcement. I’m glad he plans to prosecute ICE agents who routinely break California law by racially profiling people. I like that he has a plan to build more housing. I especially like that he is in an emotionally and financially strong position to defend our state against Trump.
The California primary is fast approaching. It is important that we do not allow either one of the MAGA Republicans onto our ballot. Both are pro-ICE, pro-Trump, and have no interest in protecting the environment. In California, the top two candidates will make it onto the final ballot no matter their political party. We have a long list of Democrats on the primary ballot and only two Republicans, so the danger of splitting the vote among the Democrats and pushing the two Republicans to the top is real. We can’t let that happen. I don’t want to see either of them on our final ballot!
That’s why I’m making the case for Tom Steyer. He is my first choice. However, as the election draws closer, I will vote for the Democrat who has the highest poll numbers to ensure we have a Democrat candidate on the ballot. California cannot afford to have a MAGA Republican running our state in lock step with that criminal Donald J. Trump.