Opinion: He Saw Us. He Heard Us. Why the California Black Women’s Collective PAC Endorses Tom Steyer for Governor

May 22, 2026

The California Black Women's Collective PAC has endorsed Tom Steyer for California's 2026 gubernatorial race after implementing a rigorous vetting process that required candidates to study data on issues affecting Black women before interviews. The organization, representing one of the Democratic Party's most reliable voting blocs, sought a candidate who could demonstrate both understanding of their communities' challenges and a proven track record of action rather than just campaign promises. Steyer distinguished himself by engaging substantively with data on wage gaps, maternal mortality, and economic disparities, while also demonstrating over a decade of concrete investments through initiatives like Beneficial State Bank, NextGen America's voter registration efforts, and support for reparations.

Who is affected

Black women and girls in California
Black mothers facing maternal mortality crises
Black women entrepreneurs seeking capital and business funding
Black college graduates carrying student loan debt
Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Young Black and Latino voters
Black communities historically targeted by the tobacco industry
Low-to-moderate income communities served by Beneficial State Bank
California Black Women's Collective PAC members
Descendants of enslaved Blacks in California

What action is being taken

The California Black Women's Collective PAC is endorsing Tom Steyer for the 2026 Governor's race
The PAC is holding candidates accountable through a data-driven endorsement process that requires studying briefing memos before interviews
The organization is monitoring and preparing to hold the next administration accountable

Why it matters

This endorsement matters because Black women represent the most reliable Democratic voting bloc in California yet are frequently ignored after elections despite being cultural and economic engines of their communities. The rigorous, data-driven endorsement process establishes a new standard for political accountability that moves beyond performative campaign promises to evaluate candidates based on their long-term records of investment in Black communities. By endorsing a candidate who has demonstrated sustained commitment through concrete actions—including founding a community development bank, investing in voter engagement infrastructure, and supporting reparations—the PAC is attempting to shift the paradigm from transactional campaign-season outreach to substantive year-round partnership. This matters particularly as California faces intersecting crises in affordability, housing, maternal health, and democracy that disproportionately impact Black women and girls.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the PAC's stated intention to continue watching and holding the next administration accountable, and their commitment to voting for Tom Steyer.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint