Former hedge fund manager becomes activist to support political causes

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A former hedge fund manager worth $1.6 billion who quit his job a few years ago to become a progressive activist is digging deep into his own pockets to support political causes.

You may have seen his campaign ad in favor of Prop 56, which is a $2 per pack increase in the cigarette tax.

Or his ad using Donald Trump's comments to make the case for taking climate change seriously.

There is also an ad where he urges people to vote to advance women's rights, again using Trump.

Thomas Fahr Steyer is the single biggest donor to super PACs in the United States and his spending this election cycle is staggering.

In California alone, he's spending $10 million to fight tobacco.

Watch the video player above for Kristen Sze's full story.

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