Meta to Launch California Super-PAC to Back Pro-AI Candidates

Meta is launching a California-focused super-PAC to support state-level candidates who advocate for lighter regulation of AI. The PAC, named Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California, will spend tens of millions of dollars to back candidates from either party who support AI innovation. This move aligns with Meta's business interests, as the company is investing heavily in AI development and competition with Silicon Valley firms.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced the launch of a new super PAC in California, named "Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across California." This PAC aims to support state-level candidates who favor lighter regulation of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The move is part of Meta's broader strategy to shape the regulatory landscape surrounding AI development and deployment in California.

The new super PAC, led by Meta's Vice President of Public Policy Brian Rice, plans to invest tens of millions of dollars to influence state-wide elections, including the upcoming governor's race in 2026. Rice has expressed concerns about Sacramento's regulatory environment, stating that it "could stifle innovation, block AI progress, and put California's technology leadership at risk." This sentiment underscores Meta's desire to create a more favorable regulatory environment for AI innovation.

Meta's move aligns with its business interests, as the company is investing billions to compete in Silicon Valley's intensifying AI race. The company has already demonstrated its willingness to engage in political lobbying, having spent significantly on such efforts in recent years. For instance, in 2025, Meta shelled out more than $518,000 on its state lobbying operation to urge lawmakers to water down bills like state Sen. Scott Wiener's (D-San Francisco) SB 53, which would hold developers of large AI models to safety and transparency standards.

Meta's initiative is not isolated. Other tech industry players, including venture-capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman, are also launching similar efforts to influence AI policy. This trend underscores the tech industry's concerted push to shape the regulatory landscape surrounding AI development and deployment.

The launch of this super PAC comes amid increasing efforts by California to regulate AI and social media. The state has been among the most aggressive in pursuing such regulations, with state officials shaping rules on safety, transparency, and consumer protection that could significantly impact tech companies' products.

Meta's argument for lighter AI regulation extends beyond state borders. The company contends that state-level regulation of AI could hamper the development of the technology at a time when US tech firms are in fierce competition with Chinese rivals. This perspective frames the debate not just as a matter of domestic policy, but as an issue of national competitiveness in the global AI race.

The PAC is expected to release candidate slates ahead of the 2026 election, potentially stepping into electoral politics at the highest level statewide. This move signals Meta's deepening political presence in a state that has emerged as the most active and ambitious in attempting to regulate AI.

References:
[1] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/26/exclusive-meta-to-launch-california-super-pac-focused-on-ai-00524989
[2] https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/meta-launches-pro-ai-super-pac-in-california-aiming-to-influence-state-level-ai-regulation-19556/
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/meta-political-advocacy-ai-policy-landscape-corporate-influence-regulatory-gains-investment-opportunities-2508/