California gubernatorial candidate refuses to grade Newsom: "I haven't followed it closely enough."

Mark Makela, Getty Images file Then-Democratic presidential candidate billionaire Tom Steyer speaks during a town hall at Eastern State Penitentiary on Oct. 28, 2019, in Philadelphia. California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer (D) on Monday said he could not give Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) a grade for his two terms in office, saying he has not followed the governor’s record “closely enough.” Steyer laughed during an interview with political director Ashley Zavala on “California Politics 360” on the Sacramento-based outlet KCRA Channel 3. He answered, “I don’t know.” Zavala prompted Steyer to choose between the letters A through F. “I don’t know, I think people have come to really appreciate how Gavin has stood up for the state of California,” he replied. She then asked if Steyer would not grade him, to which he answered, “I haven’t followed it closely enough to give him a grade.” Steyer told Zavala that the next governor must be a “changemaker to solve the problems that we’re facing.” He followed by advocating for closing tax loopholes so big businesses pay more, using extra corporate tax funds to support schools and establish single-payer health care. “The number one problem is that Californians can’t afford to live in California anymore,” he continued. “It’s time for us to address the structural issues in California and get back to delivering the California dream for California citizens.” The billionaire jumped into the race in November and is polling fifth out of 10 candidates, with eight Democrats and two Republicans, according to UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies poll released on Wednesday. Steyer is seen as the top preference for governor among 10 percent of California voters. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is the top preferred Democrat among 13 percent of voters. Two Republicans, conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, hold the top preference spots at 17 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Their slim majority without a clear Democratic frontrunner could leave the state’s more liberal electorate choosing between two Republicans in November following the June jungle primary election. Swalwell has gained traction in the nonpartisan primary, receiving high-profile endorsements from SEIU California and winning a plurality of delegates during the state party’s convention last month. The lawmaker also received former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) endorsement. But Steyer has lambasted Swalwell, calling into question whether Swalwell lives in California –– a requirement to run for governor –– and jabbing him for missing votes in Congress. Swalwell’s campaign and allies have dismissed Steyer’s claims. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.