Campaign Finance
Lobbying activity this past summer cost a record-breaking $168 million. Here’s what we know.
Between the summer session of the California Legislature featuring hot topics like AI regulation and money for journalism, and a special one focusing on gas prices, powerful corporations poured in record-setting money to influence lawmakers.
Why no one spent more than Google to lobby California officials this summer
The tech giant spent $10.7 million lobbying the Legislature and governor from July through September during a media bill fight. It also showered elected officials with $107,500 in campaign cash on one day in September.
Big spenders: These companies are giving the most to California legislative candidates
Independent expenditure committees have put nearly $100 million into legislative races, funding ads to support, and often attack, candidates. The outside, unlimited spending is increasing with each election.