Meta is planning to launch a super PAC to support California candidates favoring a light-touch approach to AI regulation. The parent company of Facebook and Instagram plans to spend tens of millions of dollars through the PAC, potentially positioning the company among the state's top political spenders ahead of the 2026 governor race.
The news comes as other Silicon Valley behemoths, like OpenAI, pledges $100 million for a new pro-AI super PAC. Dubbed “Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California”, this new PAC signals an intent to influence statewide elections, including the next governor’s race in 2026.
“The group will support candidates for state offices from either party who advocate AI innovation over stringent rules,” the company said.
California will elect its next governor in November 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom's national profile has surged amid a series of confrontations with President Donald Trump, positioning him as a high-visibility Democratic figure.
"The Governor takes a balanced approach to ensure that as the AI industry continues to grow, it does so with appropriate guardrails to protect the public," a spokesperson for the office of the California governor said.
California has been among the most aggressive states in pursuing AI and social media regulation and state officials will shape rules on safety, transparency and consumer protection that could impact tech companies' products.
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