Meta is initiating a super PAC aimed at backing California political candidates who support minimal artificial intelligence regulation according to Politico. This action aligns with a broader trend in Silicon Valley, where prominent figures are allocating significant funds to influence the AI regulatory landscape.
The company will invest tens of millions of dollars in this new political action committee. The organization is named Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California. Brian Rice, Meta’s Vice President of public policy, will lead the PAC. Rice has voiced concerns that California’s existing regulatory framework poses a risk to technological advancement. He stated that Sacramento’s regulatory environment “could stifle innovation, block AI progress, and put California’s technology leadership at risk.”
Earlier this year, Meta’s lobbying efforts focused on California State Senator Scott Wiener’s SB-53 bill. This bill proposed requiring AI companies to disclose safety and security measures, in addition to issuing reports on safety-related incidents. Meta also played a role in preventing the passage of the Kids Online Safety Act last year. This was a bill that many expected to pass.
Prior to this initiative, Meta has contributed to various down-ballot candidates from both Democratic and Republican parties. The creation of this PAC indicates an increased focus on shaping statewide elections, potentially including the 2026 gubernatorial election. Other Silicon Valley leaders, including Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI’s Greg Brockman, have committed $100 million to a separate pro-AI super PAC.
