# California legislative election spending > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-legislative-election-spending > Updated: 2026-10-30T12:00:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Political action committees and major corporations have significantly increased spending for California legislative races. During the current election cycle, total spending for Assembly and Senate races rose to over $128 million, compared to $74.2 million in 2022. Tech companies, including Google and Meta, reportedly account for at least 20% of all contributions made to outside groups. Industry representatives state this spending aims to protect innovation from regulations regarding artificial intelligence and data centers. Critics argue the financial involvement is an attempt to influence the California Legislature. Various organizations are driving these expenditures. Grow California, funded by Chris Larsen and Tim Draper, has spent over $20 million. California Leads, supported by Meta and Google, has spent nearly $14 million. Additionally, the Legislative Action PAC, funded by Google, AT&T, and oil and gas companies, has spent at least $6 million to support Republican candidates. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-30: Big Tech companies increase spending in California legislative races Google, Meta, and other tech interests represent at least 20% of contributions to outside groups in California legislative races, aiming to influence regulations on AI and data centers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/big-tech-companies-increase-spending-in-california-legislative-races ### 2026-10-16: California legislative races see massive spending from tech and business groups Tech and business interest groups have spent over $100 million on California legislative races, with major funding from Meta, Google, and cryptocurrency investors targeting key districts. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tech-and-business-groups-spend-millions-on-california-legislative-races --- Cite as: California legislative election spending. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-legislative-election-spending