Tom Steyer is in Reno for the weekend. The democratic presidential candidate stopped by the General Motors distribution center to talk to on-strike workers about their fight against the car manufacturing company.
"The increased income in the United States has not been shared with working people and this is a perfect example," Steyer said. "GM's making a ton of money and all of a sudden, they're taking it out on the working people who bailed them out when times were tough."
The California billionaire is focusing on America's working class and says he will take on corporations if he becomes the next president. He says his position as a Washington outsider gives him more of the ability to do that.
"If you believe what I believe, which is we have a broken government in Washington, D.C., that corporations have bought it, my question would be if we really need to take back our government, who is going to do that?" Steyer said.
Union workers say Steyer's visit is important because they want our political leaders to know what everyday Americans deal with.
"He's here and he wants to know our issues, and by us giving, now he understands what the struggle is for our striking," Celia Rosales, GM Worker said. "It's not greed. It's greed from the companies."
"He was asking questions about the profitability of GM over the past few years and I told him they've made tens of billions of dollars over the last 6-8 years," Macro Carrillo, UAW Chairperson Local 2162 said.
Steyer is an outspoken critic of President Trump. He has been airing television commercials for about two years, pushing for impeachment. The House of Representatives started an impeachment inquiry, earlier this week.
"We need to make sure that this rogue, criminal president is held to account," Steyer said. "Two years later, Washington, D.C. gets around to actually doing it. I'm glad."
Steyer is in a crowded field of democratic candidates but he is the only one who is running campaign advertisements this early in the race. He says it is an important way to get his message across.
"Hopefully, one that's true, important and differential and says this is what I believe in and if it resonates with you, then can we please create a better America together?" Steyer said.
Fred Lokken is a political science professor at Truckee Meadows Community College. He says he is able to do that because he is self-funded, while the other candidates are saving their money until closer to the primaries and caucuses.
"None of them in any of the states are really spending money at this point in time," Lokken said. "They're saving it and they're also, the bigger priority right now is building staffs and organizations in states."
Lokken says Steyer's ability to finance his own campaign also has some drawbacks.
"One of the reasons why you seek donors is because it builds a relationship and it builds visibility," Lokken said. "So he starts at a disadvantage if he's using his own wealth to do that."
Steyer has some history in Nevada. He says he worked as a ranch hand in Gardnerville when he was 19 years-old, and he's owned a home in Lake Tahoe for many years. He also knows how important the Silver State is to his campaign.
"Nevada is one of the four early states," Steyer said. "It is absolutely critical to get out and talk to people and show that what I have to say matters. I'm from the west. To me, this is a state that is very much home to me, where I've been coming for a long time, where I've known the people."
Steyer is often seen wearing a bright, multi-colored belt. He says it signifies increasing education for girls. He bought the belt in Kenya, where he says many girls do not go to school past eighth grade.
"Educating girls is incredibly positive for the world," Steyer said. "So I went over there to look at some of the schools and I wear the belt, partly to remind myself of the good you can do in quiet ways."
Steyer will be in Reno at least through Saturday, He will attend the "Keep Nevada Blue Dinner" with the Nevada Democratic Party, Saturday at 7:00 PM at the Grand Sierra Resort.
