From Wired, this is the Big Interview, where we get to know the people beyond the headlines

in conversations that explore the intersection of technology, power, and culture.

I'm Wired's global editorial director, Katie Drummond.

Ahead of the midterm elections, we've been talking to candidates in key races across the country. Among the big ones to watch is the governor's race in California, where several Democrats and two Republicans

are in the race to succeed incumbent Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who can't run again because of term limits.

One of those hopefuls is billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, who is largely self-financing his run.

So far, Steyer's campaign says he spent more than $130 million in his quest for the governor's office,

which is closing in on a state campaign spending record.

The dynamics of the race have shifted, especially among Democrats, since one of the frontrunners,

former California rep Eric Swalwell, dropped out of the race and resigned from Congress in April

following allegations of sexual misconduct.

The latest polling from Emerson College polling and inside California politics shows a close race

with former Health and Human Services Secretary Javier Bacera, just slightly ahead of Steyer and Republican Steve Hilton, who are neck and neck.

Tom joins me now to talk about his campaign, climate activism, and California's role on the national stage.

Thank you for joining us on the big interview.

Kate, thank you for having me.

So I want to start with your background

because you are a billionaire

and you like to tell the story of your transformation, right?

Where and how you made your money in hedge fund world

to now and in the last sort of decade plus

being actually a climate activist.

...