California

Tech is Betting on a Former Executive in the Race for California Governor

Voters are questioning whether he’ll stand up to the tech industry that's backing him.

Associated Press

May 7, 2026 — 5 min read

Photo of Matt Mahan speaking on April 28, 2026, by Jae C. Hong/AP

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 7, 2026 (AP) — One tech investor called him “the only sane” Democrat in the race for California governor. Others have dumped millions to boost his campaign, even paying for a Super Bowl ad to introduce him to voters. He’s against a proposed billionaires’ tax that has the state’s wealthiest residents threatening an exodus.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is tech’s favorite candidate to be the next leader of California.

The 43-year-old former tech executive jumped into the crowded race in January, touting himself as a pragmatic problem-solver. A moderate Democrat, Mahan has built his statewide profile mainly by criticizing Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature's response to homelessness and crime. His centrist message has appealed to tech leaders who want a business-friendly governor to succeed Newsom, a longtime tech ally who’s terming out.

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California Big Tech Matt Mahan Gavin Newsom Tom Steyer Donald Trump Chad Bianco Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher Katie Porter Antonio Villaraigosa J.B. Branch AI Social Media Sergey Brin Michael Moritz Joe Lonsdale Garry Tan Mark Zuckerberg AP