Meta Launches California Super PAC to Support Pro-AI Candidates
Meta announced it is launching a political action committee (PAC) focused on California to back state-level candidates who support lighter regulation of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI). Named "Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California," the PAC will back candidates from any party that promote AI innovation over restrictive rules.
The company plans to invest tens of millions of dollars in this effort, potentially making it one of the largest political spenders in California ahead of the 2026 governor’s race. California will elect its next governor in November 2026, with Governor Gavin Newsom currently holding a high-profile national stance.
Balancing AI Growth and Regulation
A spokesperson from Governor Newsom’s office emphasized the administration's balanced approach: supporting AI industry growth while ensuring appropriate guardrails to protect the public. This reflects the governor’s stance on encouraging technology advancement without compromising safety and transparency.
Meta’s PAC aims to influence California’s regulatory environment to favor innovation. Brian Rice, Meta’s vice president of public policy, warned that Sacramento’s current regulatory measures could hinder AI progress and risk California’s leadership in technology.
Why This Matters for California
California is one of the most active states in regulating AI and social media. The policies set here will impact tech companies’ products concerning safety, transparency, and consumer protection. The newly formed PAC will have Brian Rice and Greg Maurer, both Meta public policy VPs, as principal officers.
Similar strategies have been used by companies like Uber and Airbnb to establish influence in Sacramento. In the AI space, other groups such as the super PAC "Leading the Future," backed by venture-capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI’s president Greg Brockman, are also emerging to support AI-friendly policies.
The Bigger Picture
- Meta’s PAC reflects the growing push from major tech players to shape state-level policies in favor of AI innovation.
- Investment in political campaigns signals how crucial AI regulation is becoming on the political agenda.
- California’s decisions will likely influence AI policy trends nationwide.
For professionals in government and policy roles, staying informed about these developments is critical. Understanding how tech companies engage politically can help anticipate regulatory shifts affecting AI innovation and public safety.
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