The real battle in California’s primary vote for governor is for second
Plus, the SEC is set to kill the long-awaited climate disclosure rule
In today’s edition:
— California primary a dead heat — for second place
— Trump’s SEC to finally kill climate disclosure rule
— The hidden pollution behind the AI boom revealed
— Americans more pessimistic about the worst effects of climate change
— How hail and heat in Europe this summer threaten economic growth
California politics never fails to disappoint when it comes to crazy elections and today’s primary vote for governor is no different. It’s a dead heat for second place. Who gets that makes a huge difference.
The last-minute polls show long time Democratic politician Xavier Becerra with a comfortable lead over a slate of an astonishing 61 other candidates of all shapes and sizes. The second spot, which would ensure a runoff with Becerra in November, is a close race between Republican talk show host Steve Hilton and Democratic climate billionaire and former presidential candidate Tom Steyer.
If Hilton wins, the race threatens to become a coronation for Becerra in the Democratic state, though never discount the fact that Hilton is backed by President Donald Trump.
But if Steyer manages to overcome Hilton in the last few hours, the race becomes more interesting, as you’ll have a battle between two Democrats — an insider and an outsider.
Much will depend on how well Steyer’s campaign, largely tied to fighting high energy prices and the state’s electric power monopoly, can steal votes from Becerra with a series of last-minute negative ads.
Steyer’s background as a climate investor lends more toward some action in California’s climate battle, vs. more of the same from Becerra. Hilton would likely do little, following Trump’s orders.
That’s why for investors as well as the 60 million people living under wildfire threat in California, the real vote comes today.
If you have ideas or suggestions for us, contact me directly at dcallaway@callawayclimateinsights.com.
Tuesday’s investor insights
An SEC victory for less information
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