Sergey Brin’s Involvement in California’s Gubernatorial Race
Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google and a billionaire, is making headlines as a significant contributor to California’s gubernatorial race. This comes shortly after he relocated his headquarters out of the state.
Recent reports reveal that Brin has contributed $39,200 to Steve Hilton’s campaign. Hilton, a Republican and former Fox News contributor, is also known for his advisory role in British Prime Minister David Cameron’s office. He is contesting to replace Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Campaign application.
Interestingly, Brin is also backing one of Hilton’s rivals, centrist Democrat Matt Mahan. Just this past Monday, he donated $1 million to support an independent committee promoting San Jose Mayor Mahan, following an earlier, smaller contribution in February.
Brin made the move from California to his mansion in Nevada near Lake Tahoe partly in reaction to a proposal from a healthcare union aimed at imposing a one-time 5% tax on billionaires’ assets in California. With an estimated net worth of around $245 billion, this tax would certainly impact him.
Both Hilton and Mahan oppose the billionaire tax, and they need to gather sufficient signatures to qualify for the ballot in November.
In addition, Brin has donated $20 million to a new pro-business political organization called Building a Better California. This group is notably focusing its efforts on combating the proposed wealth tax.
Neither Brin’s nor Hilton’s representatives provided comments when approached.
The California gubernatorial race includes eight Democrats and two Republicans. In a unique election format, the two candidates – irrespective of their political affiliation – who receive the highest votes in the June primary will move on to the general election.
A February poll from Emerson College indicated that Hilton was leading with 17% support, followed closely by Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Chad Bianco, each at 14%.
It seems that other tech executives are also diversifying their political investments. Joe Lonsdale, a venture capitalist and co-founder of Palantir Technologies, is supporting both Mahan and Hilton, while cryptocurrency entrepreneur Chris Larsen has assisted in fundraising efforts for Hilton, as well as for Democratic candidate Katie Porter.
Interestingly enough, California hasn’t elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger stepped down in January 2011.
