Key takeaways from the California gubernatorial debate with Paris Barraza
Today, California reporter Paris Barraza breaks down last night’s California gubernatorial debate, highlighting the best moments, policy clashes, and what it means for voters.
Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown has endorsed and endorsed billionaire and climate change advocate Tom Steyer as his candidate for the next governor of California.
Mr. Steyer is one of the representative people Democratic candidates for this year’s gubernatorial race announced their endorsements on May 5, as the campaign enters its final month before Election Day and early voting begins across the state..
“During my more than 60 years in public service, I have had the opportunity to meet many people seeking public office and have taken the time to understand their ideas, judgment, depth, and leadership. After doing just that in this contest, I am proud to endorse Tom Steyer for California Governor,” Brown said of Steyer in the announcement.
Brown expressed gratitude for Steyer’s “deep understanding of complex issues” and willingness to learn about the issues facing Californians.
“California needs a governor who is well-informed, independent-minded, and focused on what’s best for the public. I believe Tom Steyer embodies those qualities and will bring real benefits to our state’s future,” Brown said.
Steyer thanked Brown for his support and said he would work with Brown to “move our state forward.”
“California’s progress has always been shaped by leaders who understand how to translate bold ideas into action and deliver them to working people,” Steyer said.
Brown’s endorsement follows recent news that the California Service Employees International Union branch announced its endorsement of Steyer Becerra and Xavier Becerra in California’s next gubernatorial race.
SEIU California said of Steyer, “California needs bold leaders who will stand with workers and the courage to stand up to the world’s most powerful and richest corporations to protect California from Donald Trump’s assault on its people and values.”
“As governor, Tom Steyer is committed to closing corporate tax loopholes and ending special carve-outs that force working people to pay more in taxes than the companies that make the most profits.”
Who is Willie L. Brown Jr.?
Among California politicians, Brown is considered one of the state’s most accomplished and historic civic leaders.
During his more than 40-year political career, Mr. Brown served 30 years in the California State Assembly, representing multiple districts in the San Francisco Bay Area.
He began his career in 1965, representing the state’s 18th Congressional District as one of four African-American members of the state Legislature.
In the 1970s, Brown wrote and passed the exam in San Francisco’s gay community. The Consenting Adult Sex Act, which legalized homosexuality in California, was informally referred to in the press as the “Gay Bill of Rights” at the time of its passage.
From 1981 to 1995, Brown served as the first African American Speaker of the California State Legislature and continued to represent and support San Francisco.
After ending his 40-year career as a California state legislator in 1995, Brown decided to run for mayor of San Francisco. He ultimately won the job and became San Francisco’s first African American mayor.
During his tenure, Brown saw technology companies achieve rapid economic growth and led the city through the dot-com era. This economic boom led Brown to expand the city’s budget and support real estate development in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area.
His term ended in 2004, and he was replaced by future California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Noe Padilla is a Northern California reporter for USA Today. To contact him, npadilla@usatodayco.comX Follow him at @1NoePadilla or Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow TODAY Californian on Facebook.
