TECH BILLIONAIRES POUR HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS INTO CALIFORNIA RACES

Google co-founder Sergey Brin alone spent $66 million to fight a proposed billionaire tax, while Google and Meta jointly funded a Super PAC. The industry's spending strategy targeted multiple races simultaneously, focusing on candidates and measures rather than a single gubernatorial pick. Despite backing a governor candidate who finished sixth, the tech industry achieved significant victories in smaller elections. Experts view these California investments as a precursor to larger political mobilization nationwide. The spending reflects Silicon Valley's concerns about regulation, taxation, and AI oversight. By securing political leverage at the state level—where much tech policy is decided—billionaires aim to shape governance that affects their business interests. Analysts note this coordinated approach signals tech's intention to deepen its political influence across multiple electoral races.