Democratic candidates preparing for California's gubernatorial race are testing populist messaging that emphasizes affordability issues and critiques their own party's record on homelessness and high costs of living.

Tom Steyer, a billionaire hedge fund founder turned climate activist, has built his campaign around addressing affordability while advocating for higher taxes on the wealthy. Steyer, whose net worth is estimated at $2.4 billion, is positioning himself as a different type of wealthy candidate who supports significantly higher taxes on people in his income bracket.

Meanwhile, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who served from 2005 to 2013, has said Democrats cannot blame the Trump administration for California's homelessness and cost-of-living crises. Villaraigosa argues these issues stem from Democratic policies and has built his candidacy around confronting his own party on these matters.

The messaging from both candidates reflects a broader conversation within the Democratic Party about taking responsibility for governance challenges in California, where Democrats have maintained significant political control. Both are presenting themselves as willing to challenge conventional party positions on key issues facing California voters.

The candidates' approaches suggest Democrats are testing whether populist messaging focused on economic concerns can resonate with voters, even when delivered by establishment figures within the party.