A super PAC associated with Meta has contributed $1 million to the campaign of California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, according to recent campaign finance records. The group, Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (META) California, made five donations totaling $999,066 between October 20 and October 27.
This latest contribution follows more than $1.2 million in donations from the same PAC to Becerra's campaign in May, bringing the total contributions from the Meta-backed entity to over $2.2 million. The California gubernatorial race is seen as significant for the tech industry, given that Meta and many other technology firms are headquartered in the state, potentially influencing legislation on issues such as artificial intelligence and social media.
Becerra, formerly the secretary of health and human services under President Joe Biden, is reportedly leading Republican Steve Hilton in the race to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom. A recent poll indicated Becerra held a 15.7-point advantage.
The significant late donation comes even as Meta has reportedly reduced its political spending, withdrawing $25 million from funded political action groups over the summer, which consequently decreased its campaign budget for the 2026 midterms by approximately 40%, according to The New York Times.
Critics have voiced concerns about the substantial donations. Julianna Arnold, cofounder of the nonprofit Parents Rise, stated that such contributions are troubling when California has the opportunity to regulate companies like Meta. Arnold shared a personal tragedy, noting her daughter's death from a fentanyl-laced pill after being groomed on Instagram, and expressed a desire for a governor who will address the tech industry directly.
Meta has faced legal challenges, including a recent California state court ruling where it was found liable for harm caused to a woman who alleged addiction to Instagram due to its design features. The company was ordered to pay $4.2 million in damages in that case.
A Democratic strategist, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the donation as "straight out of the Zuckerberg playbook," suggesting it's an attempt to secure favor with the incoming governor. The strategist added that the contribution appears to be a deliberate effort by Meta to gain influence before potential legislation is introduced, expressing hope that Becerra will prioritize regulatory action over donor interests.