Billionaires running for governor in Ohio, California, and Georgia

Several billionaires are campaigning for governor this year in Ohio, California, and Georgia. Candidates from both parties are using personal fortunes to fund bids. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is the only current billionaire governor, though Doug Burgum and Jim Justice have previously served as governors.

Wealthy politicians are often recruited by party leaders and sometimes spend their own money on expensive campaigns. Tom Steyer, the hedge-fund manager turned philanthropist who ran for president in 2020, is a leading Democratic contender in California. He made his fortune at Farallon Capital, and Forbes estimates his net worth at $2 billion.

Steyer’s campaign is almost entirely self-funded; he has poured at least $38 million of his own money into it. Recent polling generally places him fifth, behind GOP candidates Steve Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco and Democrats Eric Swalwell and Katie Porter. Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech founder and 2024 presidential candidate, is the overwhelming favorite for the GOP nomination in Ohio.

United States, Ohio; California; Georgia; Illinois

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