CA-GOV: In deep blue California, Dems find a villain toxic enough to rival Trump: The power company

SAN FRANCISCO — In the race for California governor, leading Democrats have found a new villain almost as unpopular as Donald Trump: the power company.

First came Tom Steyer, trashing “the monopolistic power of utilities” and repeatedly calling out energy companies by name for what he says are their exorbitant rates and poor service.

Then it was Xavier Becerra, the Democratic frontrunner, taking shots at the energy industry in a debate.

“I will freeze utility rates,” the former Health secretary said, adding that “it is time that Californians had an understanding of why so many of them are paying so much for … those charges.”



https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/19/california-trump-utilities-power-companies-governors-race-00927196