A political organization backed by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has poured nearly $1 million into Democrat Xavier Becerra’s California gubernatorial campaign in the final days before the Nov. 3 election, intensifying scrutiny of Silicon Valley’s influence over state government. Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California, a Meta-supported super PAC, directed $999,066 toward supporting Becerra between Oct. 20 and 27, following more than $1.2 million in earlier contributions. The spending comes as Becerra, a former Biden administration health secretary and California attorney general, leads Republican Steve Hilton in polling. Critics contend that Meta is positioning itself to influence an incoming administration that will oversee artificial intelligence, social media regulation and online child safety. Becerra’s campaign maintains that his record demonstrates independence from corporate interests, but the contributions raise questions about whether powerful technology companies are using their financial resources to secure favorable treatment from elected officials.
Key Takeaways
• Nearly $1 Million in New Spending: Meta’s political organization committed $999,066 to supporting Becerra between Oct. 20 and 27, adding to more than $1.2 million in earlier contributions supporting his gubernatorial bid.
• Regulatory Influence at Stake: California’s next governor will help determine policies governing artificial intelligence, social media platforms, consumer privacy and child safety, giving Meta substantial financial interests in the election’s outcome.
• Corporate Accountability Under Scrutiny: Critics question whether Meta’s financial support creates potential conflicts of interest, while Becerra’s campaign points to his previous investigations of Facebook as evidence of his willingness to challenge powerful corporations.
In-Depth
Meta-backed political spending is drawing renewed scrutiny in California’s gubernatorial race after a super PAC associated with Mark Zuckerberg directed nearly $1 million toward supporting Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra during the campaign’s closing days.
Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California reported $999,066 in spending between Oct. 20 and 27, supplementing more than $1.2 million in earlier financial support. Becerra, who previously served as California attorney general and President Joe Biden’s health secretary, faces Republican Steve Hilton in the Nov. 3 election.
The contributions arrive as California confronts consequential decisions involving artificial intelligence, consumer privacy and social media regulation. Meta faces significant legal and regulatory exposure, particularly concerning allegations that its platforms employ addictive features harmful to children.
Critics argue that financing a likely future governor presents an opportunity for corporate interests to gain political access before regulatory decisions are made. The spending also highlights the considerable influence wealthy technology companies can exercise through independent political organizations.
Becerra’s campaign rejects suggestions that financial support compromises his independence, emphasizing his previous investigation of Facebook while serving as attorney general. Meta maintains that its political activities advance legitimate policy interests and do not involve expectations of favorable treatment.
Nevertheless, the controversy illustrates a persistent problem in American politics: Corporations with substantial business before government agencies can spend extraordinary sums influencing elections without making direct contributions to candidates.
For California voters, the central question is whether their next governor will enforce technology regulations independently or allow powerful corporate benefactors to shape public policy. The answer will carry implications extending well beyond California.
Sources
• https://prospect.org/2026/05/21/tom-steyers-problem-california-governor-race/
• https://www.fppc.ca.gov/search-filings/top-10-contributors-list/november-2026-general-election/
• https://www.meta.com/people-practices/meta-political-engagement/