California legislative races see massive spending from tech and business groups

Political action committees backed by unions and major corporations have spent over $100 million on California legislative races this election cycle, surpassing previous spending levels. The influx of capital is targeting both competitive purple districts and safely Democratic districts to influence ideological outcomes.

Several tech-backed organizations are driving much of this expenditure. Grow California, funded by cryptocurrency investor Chris Larsen and venture capitalist Tim Draper, has spent over $20 million as a counterforce to union spending. California Leads, supported by Meta and Google, has spent nearly $14 million to promote candidates focused on practical solutions over ideological battles.

Additionally, the Legislative Action PAC—founded by Republican strategists and funded by Google, AT&T, and oil and gas companies—has spent at least $6 million to support Republican candidates. This spending aims to help Republicans maintain seats flipped during the 2024 cycle.