Xavier Becerra, the gubernatorial front-runner and former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, has drawn tens of millions of dollars in financial backing from Big Tech, the healthcare industry, labor unions, and tribes as he campaigns to lead California. According to a Times analysis of campaign contributions through September 3, donors poured $48.8 million into Becerra’s campaign committee and independent expenditure committees supporting his bid.
Big Tech Funding and Regulatory Stakes in California
Among Becerra’s top financial supporters is Meta, which has contributed nearly $1.2 million to groups backing his campaign. The Menlo Park-based technology giant has faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers and the courts, recently agreeing to a landmark $17.1 billion settlement over multi-state claims that its apps endanger children.
The financial backing arrives as state regulators weigh strict oversight of the technology sector. In August, the California Legislature passed a measure designed to bar social media platforms from providing addictive features to lure children, alongside separate bills intended to protect residents from artificial intelligence risks and data center expansions. The next governor will decide whether to approve even stricter controls on these companies.
Contasting Financial Support in the Gubernatorial Race
Becerra’s campaign committee raised at least $30 million independently, bolstered by eight donors who wrote seven-figure checks to outside independent committees that cannot legally coordinate with candidates. Former state Sen. Steve Glazer noted that such substantial contributions reflect the high stakes involved in state governance, stating that the floodgates open up for a front-runner when billions of dollars hang in the balance.
Becerra advanced alongside Republican candidate Steve Hilton out of the chaotic June primary. Hilton, a conservative media commentator and strategist endorsed by President Trump, raised $18.8 million, which included a $90,100 self-funded contribution. Hilton’s top financial backers include billionaires and business executives such as manufacturer Donald Friese and his wife Andrea, Silicon Valley billionaire Tim Draper, former Fox Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Los Angeles real estate magnate Geoffrey Palmer, and Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey.
Campaign Responses and Policy Independence
In response to questions regarding industry influence, Jonathan Underland, a spokesperson for Becerra’s campaign, told the Times that the Democrat welcomes support from any donor but maintains that contributions will not dictate future policy decisions.
“Xavier Becerra is laser-focused on making California work for working people — lowering costs, building housing, and making this state affordable again,” Underland said. “Anyone willing to stand with us in that fight is welcome to join it, and we won’t hesitate to challenge anyone who gets in the way of that goal.”
With California voters registered as Democrats outnumbering Republicans nearly two to one, Becerra enters the November 3 general election as the heavy favorite to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.
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