Meta Platforms is significantly expanding its political footprint in California, committing $65 million to two super political action committees designed to influence state elections and policy outcomes. The move highlights how the social media and technology giant is increasingly turning to state-level politics as debates over artificial intelligence regulation intensify.
As federal lawmakers struggle to advance comprehensive AI legislation, technology companies like Meta are redirecting their efforts toward state governments, where laws can be passed more quickly and have immediate operational impact. California, home to much of the U.S. tech industry and one of the most aggressive regulators, has become a central focus of that strategy.
Two Political Committees Form the Core of Meta’s Strategy
The two super PACs backed by Meta—the American Technology Excellence Project (ATEP) and Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California—were launched in the fall and positioned as vehicles to counter what the company sees as a growing number of restrictive and inconsistent AI-related proposals coming from state legislatures.
ATEP, a nonfederal political committee, received the bulk of Meta’s funding. According to Internal Revenue Service filings obtained by POLITICO, Meta transferred $45 million to the PAC in late September. While the committee is structured to operate across multiple states, Meta has not publicly identified which states beyond California may be targeted.
Meta confirmed that its disclosure detailing the contribution did not immediately appear in the IRS’s online database due to technical issues, noting that paper filings were being submitted instead.
Despite its massive funding, ATEP’s spending remained relatively limited through the end of the year. Financial records show expenditures of just over $329,000, primarily for polling, consulting services, and legal support. The committee is being managed by longtime Republican strategist Brian Baker, working alongside Democratic consulting firm Hilltop Public Solutions, signaling an effort to maintain influence across party lines.
California-Specific PAC Holds Substantial Cash Reserves
Meta’s second super PAC is focused entirely on California’s political landscape. The committee received $20 million from the company in 2025 and entered 2026 with approximately $19.7 million still available, according to filings submitted to the California Secretary of State.
This PAC plans to support candidates seeking state office regardless of party affiliation and has not ruled out involvement in California’s high-profile gubernatorial race. Leadership of the committee rests with Brian Rice, Meta’s vice president of public policy.
Meta has indicated that additional contributions to either PAC are possible later in the year, though no specific commitments have been announced.
Tech Industry Shifts Focus to State Governments
Meta’s escalating political spending reflects a broader trend among major technology companies. While Big Tech lobbying at the federal level reached record highs this year, the lack of progress on AI regulation in Washington has frustrated industry leaders.
California lawmakers, meanwhile, have advanced dozens of proposals addressing data privacy, algorithmic accountability, automated decision-making, and worker protections related to AI systems. Technology firms argue that a fragmented state-by-state regulatory framework could slow innovation and complicate compliance, particularly for companies operating nationally or globally.
Meta has emerged as one of the most aggressive participants in this environment, spending more on California politics than ever before.
Surge of New Tech-Funded PACs in California
Meta’s efforts are unfolding alongside a broader influx of money from tech executives and investors into California political committees. In recent weeks, multiple super PACs have launched with multimillion-dollar backing.
One such group, Grow California, opened with $10 million in combined contributions from cryptocurrency executive Chris Larsen and venture capitalist Tim Draper. The PAC is focused on influencing legislative races and was created to counter what its backers view as disproportionate influence from organized labor in state elections.
The group reportedly doubled its fundraising during January, though details about additional donors have not been made public.
Labor Leaders Push Back Against Tech Influence
The growing presence of tech-funded super PACs has sparked criticism from labor organizations, which argue that wealthy executives are attempting to reshape California politics to serve corporate interests.
Labor leaders have emphasized that unions remain committed to representing workers across industries and warned that increased spending by technology companies risks deepening political divides over workplace protections, economic fairness, and regulation.
These tensions underscore a widening gap between Silicon Valley and labor groups, particularly as AI-driven technologies raise new concerns about job security and worker rights.
Super PACs’ Expanding Role in State Elections
Under California law, super PACs can spend unlimited amounts supporting or opposing candidates, as long as they operate independently and do not coordinate directly with campaigns. These groups have become increasingly influential, often financing large-scale advertising campaigns and voter outreach operations.
Earlier this week, POLITICO reported on the creation of another California-focused super PAC funded with $10 million from Meta and Google, highlighting how technology companies are diversifying their political strategies rather than relying on a single committee.
Political Spending Extends Beyond Campaigns
Meta’s political involvement has extended beyond elections. The company recently contributed $50 million to support Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to redevelop three state-owned buildings along Sacramento’s Capitol Mall.
Separately, Larsen joined Google co-founder Sergey Brin and other tech leaders in providing $35 million to support a new statewide ballot initiative effort. That committee is being overseen by Robert Brown, the secretary of Brin’s family foundation.
