California, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Meta Platforms, Inc. has created a political action committee called Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California to support candidates favoring a light regulatory approach to technology and artificial intelligence. The company plans to invest tens of millions into this PAC as part of a strategy to increase its influence in California’s upcoming governor race. By advocating for innovation over regulation, Meta aims to navigate the state’s challenging political landscape while addressing concerns about overregulation on AI technologies.
California – Meta Platforms, Inc. has announced the formation of a new political action committee (PAC) named Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California, aimed at supporting candidates who uphold a light regulatory framework for technology, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is part of a greater strategy to enhance Meta’s political influence in California as the state gears up for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
The tech giant plans to invest tens of millions of dollars into this super PAC, which will extend its support to candidates across both political parties advocating for innovation in AI rather than stringent regulatory measures. This financial commitment positions Meta to become one of the top political spenders in California.
The formation of the PAC comes as part of a broader trend in California, where technology companies, similar to Uber and Airbnb, are increasingly working to amplify their clout in state politics. Meta aims to play a critical role in shaping the narrative around AI regulation as the state currently considers an array of over 50 bills related to artificial intelligence in 2023.
Meta has already allocated significant resources to lobbying efforts against proposed regulation bills. For instance, the company has been vocal in its objections to state Sen. Scott Wiener’s SB 53, which aims to establish safety and transparency standards for developers of large AI models. In the first half of the year alone, Meta spent over $518,000 on state lobbying and contributed $219,800 towards campaign financing while also backing various down-ballot candidates from both Republican and Democratic parties for state offices.
Brian Rice, Vice President of Public Policy at Meta, is set to lead the new PAC alongside Greg Maurer, another policy executive within the company. Their oversight will be critical as Meta navigates the intricacies of the political landscape, especially with an open gubernatorial seat emerging due to Governor Gavin Newsom’s upcoming term limit.
The creation of the PAC signals Meta’s intent to remain active in California’s dynamic political environment, particularly amid rising competition as numerous tech firms also push to establish their presence in state governance. For instance, Airbnb has pledged $15 million to support candidates focused on pro-tourism policies, and another network called Leading the Future seeks to oppose the AI safety movement with a staggering $100 million budget.
Meta’s overarching concern centers on the potential hazards posed by an overly stringent regulatory environment, which they argue could hinder innovation and threaten California’s status as a leader in tech and artificial intelligence advancement. With California’s recent legislative push to regulate AI, Meta positions itself as a counterforce, promoting a vision of progress that embraces innovation rather than constraining it through legislation.
As the political landscape evolves and the gubernatorial race approaches, Meta’s activities will continue to be scrutinized, raising questions about the balance between fostering technology development and ensuring public safety amid the rapid advancement of AI technology.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Meta’s new PAC?
How much money is Meta investing in this PAC?
Which candidates will the PAC support?
Who is leading the new PAC?
Key Features of Meta’s New PAC
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investment | Tens of millions of dollars |
| Political Scope | Support for candidates from both parties |
| Regulatory Focus | Aim for light-touch regulation of AI |
| Political Landscape | Preparation for California’s 2026 gubernatorial race |
| Leadership | Brian Rice and Greg Maurer |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Politico: Meta to Launch California Super PAC Focused on AI
- Wikipedia: Political Action Committee
- Reuters: Meta Launches California Super PAC Supporting Pro-AI Candidates
- Google Search: Meta California Super PAC
- Fast Company: Meta California Super PAC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
- CyberNews: Meta California Super PAC Supporting AI-Friendly Politicians
- Google News: California Super PAC AI News
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
