US tech giant Meta is set to launch a California-focused super-PAC, named Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California, to support state-level candidates who favor looser technology regulation, particularly regarding artificial intelligence. This move is seen as an effort to expand the company’s political influence ahead of the 2026 elections. A super-PAC is an independent political committee that can raise and spend unlimited funds from individuals, corporations, and unions to support or oppose candidates, without directly coordinating with campaigns or parties.
According to reports, Meta plans to spend tens of millions of dollars through the PAC, which could make it one of the top political spenders in the state in the run-up to the 2026 governor’s race. The initiative aligns with Meta’s broader effort to safeguard California’s status as a technology hub, amid concerns that strict oversight could stifle innovation. Brian Rice, Meta’s vice president of public policy, stated that Sacramento’s regulatory environment could hinder innovation, block AI progress, and put California’s technology leadership at risk.
California has been at the forefront of advancing AI and social media regulation, with officials set to decide on safety, transparency, and consumer protection rules that could affect technology companies’ products. Meta’s move echoes efforts by other tech giants, such as Uber and Airbnb, which have used mega-donor political strategies to influence policy in California. Meta also spent over $518,000 in state lobbying this spring to challenge AI safety legislation, which would impose safety and transparency standards on large AI models.
The new super-PAC joins a growing wave of tech-industry political engagement, with rival network Leading the Future, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, aiming to promote pro-AI policies with over $100 million in funding. Meta’s efforts to influence California’s regulatory environment are significant, given the state’s position as a hub for technology and innovation. The company’s actions will likely be closely watched by regulators, industry leaders, and the public, as the debate over AI regulation and its impact on the tech industry continues to unfold.
