Early Life and Education of Tom Steyer: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Tom Steyer. From birth to education, explore key events.

Tom Steyer is an American billionaire, entrepreneur, and environmentalist. He founded Farallon Capital, a hedge fund, and later became heavily involved in political activism, particularly regarding climate change. As a prominent member of the Democratic Party, Steyer has financially supported various political campaigns and initiatives aimed at addressing environmental issues. He also ran for president in the 2020 election, focusing his platform on climate action and economic inequality. Steyer's wealth has enabled him to become a significant force in environmental advocacy and Democratic politics.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 27, 1957: Tom Steyer's Birth

On June 27, 1957, Thomas Fahr Steyer, an American billionaire, entrepreneur, and environmentalist, was born.

August 1986: Marriage to Kathryn Ann Taylor

In August 1986, Tom Steyer married Kathryn Ann Taylor.

2006: California's Global Warming Solutions Act

In 2006, California's Global Warming Solutions Act was enacted, which Proposition 23 aimed to overturn.

2008: Creation of the TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy

In 2008, Tom Steyer and Taylor gave $41 million to create the TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy at Stanford University to develop affordable renewable energy technologies.

October 2012: Stepping Down from Farallon Capital

In October 2012, Tom Steyer stepped down from his position at Farallon Capital to focus on advocating for alternative energy.

2012: Retirement from Farallon and Founding of NextGen America

In 2012, after retiring from Farallon Capital, Tom Steyer founded NextGen America, a political action committee.

February 2013: Spoke at Anti-Keystone XL Pipeline Rally

In February 2013, Tom Steyer spoke at an anti-Keystone XL Pipeline rally on the Washington Mall. He was asked to join the protest by tying himself to the White House gate, but was dissuaded by his brother.

2016: Cited Florida's Pivotal Role

In 2016, Steyer cited Florida's pivotal role in the presidential election and its geographic position, making it highly vulnerable to climate change.

2016: Fundraising and Contributions to Democratic Party

In 2016, Tom Steyer raised money and hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton at his home in Burlingame, contributing $87,057,853 exclusively to Democratic Party candidates during the election cycle.

October 2017: NextGen America Donated Grants to Immigration Law Organizations

In October 2017, NextGen America donated grants totaling $2.3 million to eight national immigration law service organizations.

January 2018: Decision Not to Run for Governor of California

In January 2018, Tom Steyer announced that he would not be running for governor of California, despite considering it.

March 2018: Launch of Town Hall Tour

In March 2018, Tom Steyer launched a 30-city town hall tour related to the Need to Impeach campaign, which had amassed close to 6 million petition signatures by the fall election season.

July 9, 2019: Launch of Presidential Campaign

On July 9, 2019, Tom Steyer launched his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in an online campaign video posted to Twitter, committing to spend millions of dollars in campaign advertising as a self-funded candidate.

2019: Resignation from NextGen for Presidential Bid

In 2019, Tom Steyer resigned from NextGen America after announcing his presidential bid.

2019: Coronavirus Pandemic

The 2019 Coronavirus Pandemic created the conditions for the California Economic Recovery Task Force in 2020.

February 29, 2020: Suspension of Presidential Campaign

On February 29, 2020, after finishing third in the South Carolina primary with 11% of the vote and no pledged delegates, Tom Steyer suspended his presidential campaign.

2023: Fundraiser for President Joe Biden

In 2023, Tom Steyer held a fundraiser for President Joe Biden's re-election bid for the White House in his San Francisco home.

November 2025: Entering the 2026 California Governor Race

In November 2025, Tom Steyer entered the 2026 race to succeed Gavin Newsom as Governor of California, positioning himself as an outsider focused on affordability.