Sergey Brin, the billionaire co-founder of Google, has become a significant financial supporter in California's gubernatorial race by backing multiple candidates after relocating his primary residence out of the state.
In a recent campaign filing, Brin contributed $39,200 to the campaign of former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton, a Republican and former adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is vying to succeed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Additionally, Brin has shown support for centrist Democrat Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose, by donating $1 million to an independent committee backing Mahan, following an earlier contribution made in February.
Brin's decision to move from California to a residence near Lake Tahoe came after a proposal by a health-care workers union to impose a one-time 5% tax on the state's billionaires, with Brin's estimated fortune nearing $245 billion.
Both Hilton and Mahan have voiced their opposition to the billionaire tax, which is still in the process of gathering enough signatures to appear on the November ballot.
Brin has further contributed $20 million to a newly established pro-business political group called Building a Better California, which is actively working against the proposed wealth tax.
The ongoing California gubernatorial race involves eight Democrats and two Republicans. The state's primary election system dictates that the top two candidates with the most votes in the June primary will advance to the general election, irrespective of party affiliation.
In a February survey conducted by Emerson College, Hilton led with 17% support, with Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Chad Bianco following closely at 14% each.
Other prominent figures in the tech industry are also making political contributions. Venture capitalist and Palantir Technologies co-founder Joe Lonsdale has supported both Mahan and Hilton, while crypto entrepreneur Chris Larsen has financially backed Hilton and Democratic candidate Katie Porter.
Notably, California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger's tenure ended in January 2011.
0 Comments