Meta Platforms has launched a California super PAC, Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California, to support pro‑AI candidates and influence regulatory policies ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Meta Launches California Super PAC to Support Pro‑AI Candidates
Meta’s Political Play: A New AI‑Focused Super PAC.
Meta Platforms has announced a new California political action committee (PAC) called **Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California**. According to reports, the PAC will back candidates for state offices—regardless of party affiliation—who favour innovation over stringent regulation. Meta plans to spend tens of millions of dollars through the super PAC, positioning the company as a major player in the 2026 California gubernatorial race. The move underscores how important California’s regulatory environment is to the technology giant, since policies in the state often set the tone for national AI regulations.
Why Meta Is Launching the PAC
California has introduced more than 50 AI‑related bills this year, and Meta worries these could hinder innovation. Brian Rice, Meta’s vice‑president of public policy, warned that Sacramento’s regulatory environment "could stifle innovation, block AI progress, and put California’s technology leadership at risk". By funding candidates who support a lighter touch on AI oversight, Meta aims to influence legislation that governs AI development and deployment. The company is also investing heavily in AI research and infrastructure, making regulatory clarity crucial to its long‑term strategy.
How the Super PAC Works
Super PACs can raise unlimited funds and support campaigns independently of political parties. Meta’s Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California will back candidates from both parties who advocate pro‑innovation policies. Reports suggest the committee’s spending could rival high‑profile efforts by companies such as Uber and Airbnb. Rice and Greg Maurer, another public‑policy executive, will lead the PAC, directing contributions toward candidates who oppose strict AI laws like SB 53, which would impose safety and transparency requirements on AI .
Growing Political Muscle in Silicon Valley.
Meta’s super PAC isn’t happening in isolation. Venture‑capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI president Greg Brockman and others recently helped launch a separate **Leading the Future** super PAC network aimed at countering the AI safety movement. CryptoRank notes that Meta has already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying California lawmakers and donated nearly a quarter‑million dollars to political committees ahead of this initiative. With the company’s market value now above $2 trillion, Meta sees political engagement as essential to protecting its AI investments.
Implications for AI Regulation.
Supporters argue that pro‑AI candidates will ensure California remains a global innovation hub. Detractors say tech giants are using financial muscle to avoid accountability. The new super PAC will make California’s 2026 elections a testing ground for AI policy debates. A Meta spokesperson told AFP that state‑level AI rules threaten U.S. competitiveness and could hinder the nation’s race with Chinese firms. As Meta and other industry leaders pour money into politics, voters will face a stark choice between fostering technological growth and imposing safeguards to address AI risks.
