Tech leaders funding Matt Mahan's campaign for California governor say it's not about tech

"Mahan entered the race late and with little statewide name recognition, but catapulted into contention thanks to massive funding from billionaire tech titans, venture capitalists, cryptocurrency investors and other Silicon Valley elites. In a state with more than 23 million voters and hugely expensive media markets, the money signaled Mahan would be a contender."

"That framing has persisted, despite Mahan being a centrist Democrat who has publicly criticized Trump. California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher recently described Mahan as "funded by Trump's big tech billionaires," while fellow Democratic candidate Tom Steyer - a billionaire running against corporate interests - called him "MAGA Matt Mahan.""

"On Thursday, Mahan released a four-page "Plan to Hold Big Tech Accountable and Ensure AI Works for All Californians." The proposal called for AI and data centers to pay for their power and water needs, fund workforce stability initiatives and ensure human oversight of AI tools in critical sectors such as healthcare. It also called for the state to use AI to become more efficient, to bar cellphones in schools and to require parental consent for kids 15 and under joining social media."

""I've spoken very little about tech with any of my donors," he said. Mahan said hi"

Matt Mahan’s California governor campaign has been defined by his donor list. He entered late with limited statewide name recognition, but gained momentum through large funding from billionaire tech figures, venture capitalists, cryptocurrency investors, and other Silicon Valley elites. Critics from within the Democratic field and labor leadership have accused him of being beholden to Big Tech, including forces aligned with President Trump. Mahan has continued to face that framing despite describing himself as a centrist Democrat and publicly criticizing Trump. He released a plan focused on holding Big Tech accountable for AI and data center impacts, requiring payment for power and water needs, supporting workforce stability, and ensuring human oversight in critical sectors like healthcare. He also proposed using AI to improve state efficiency, restricting cellphones in schools, and requiring parental consent for social media use for children 15 and under.

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