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As the dust continues to settle following the abrupt downfall of Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, the North Coast’s own congressional representative has made his choice from among the crowded field of remaining candidates for governor of California. 

Over the weekend, Rep. Jared Huffman offered his endorsement to billionaire philanthropist and environmentalist Tom Steyer. The Steyer campaign announced this in a press release, which you’ll find below, and the Outpost confirmed the endorsement with Huffman’s office this afternoon.

Steyer, a 63-year-old Manhattan native who founded the hedge fund Farallon Capital and ran for president in 2020, has surged ahead of the Democratic field in most of the latest polls, pulling ahead all candidates except Republican Steve Hilton. (The fortunes of the only other GOP candidate, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, have dimmed after President Trump endorsed Hilton.)

Former U.S. congressmember Katie Porter, like Steyer, hoped to benefit from the sudden exit of former Democratic frontrunner Swalwell, who suspended his campaign and resigned from Congress following a series of sexual assault accusations. 

Steyer’s policy platform focuses on aggressive climate action, economic justice (including a tax on the ultra-rich) and progressive social reforms, such as a proposal to enact universal health care for Californians. 

California’s primary election will take place on June 2. Under California’s top-two system, the pair of candidates with the highest percentage of votes in the primary, regardless of party, will advance to a runoff in November.

Huffman, who serves as the ranking member of the United States House Committee on Natural Resources, highlights Steyer’s commitment to environmental action in his quotes from the Steyer press release, which we’ve reproduced below:

SAN FRANCISCO – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer continues to build campaign momentum, securing a new endorsement today from Congressman Jared Huffman. Huffman’s backing follows a wave of support for Steyer this weekend, including endorsements from State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas and Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva.

Congressman Huffman, who has represented California’s North Bay and North Coast since his election in 2012, brings significant environmental leadership credentials to his endorsement. He was twice appointed by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve on the United States House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. In addition, he serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and holds a leadership role as Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

“Californians need a governor who leads with reason, science, and a commitment to confronting climate change and powerful special interests,” said Congressman Jared Huffman. “Tom Steyer has spent his career advancing bold climate action and standing up to Big Oil and special interests that threaten our environment and our future. We need a leader who will take on fossil fuel companies, protect our natural resources, and build a more affordable California. This is our moment to stop the undoing of decades of environmental progress and protect our future for generations to come. Tom Steyer is the only clear choice in this race.”

“Congressman Jared Huffman has been a relentless champion for climate action and protecting California’s natural resources,” said Tom Steyer. “I’m deeply grateful for his endorsement and proud to have his support. Jared has never backed down from taking on Big Oil or defending science and our environment. Together, we’re going to hold polluters accountable, make them pay for the damage they’ve caused, and deliver real relief for California families.”

Huffman joins a long list of elected officials, grassroots organizers, and unions who stand with Steyer. See the full list of endorsers here.