According to Bloomberg, a campaign finance report filed this week reveals that Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, donated $500,000 to a political committee called “Support Prop C, Oppose Prop D – Protecting SF Small Businesses & Economic Recovery.” Prop D, up for a vote on June 2, proposes imposing a surtax on companies whose executive pay exceeds 100 times the median employee salary; the tax rate would range from roughly 0.183% to 1.121% of total revenue, potentially generating $250 million–$300 million annually for San Francisco. Brin also backs Prop C, which seeks to raise the income tax exemption threshold for small businesses from $5 million to $7.5 million. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has likewise voiced opposition to Prop D, warning it could drive large employers away from the city.
This $500,000 contribution marks Brin’s latest move in his extensive involvement in California politics this year. Bloomberg estimates his total political spending in the state now exceeds $60 million: the largest portion—$57 million—went to “Building a Better California,” aimed at blocking a statewide initiative that would impose a one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires with net assets exceeding $1 billion. Additionally, Brin contributed $1 million to an independent committee supporting Matt Mahan, mayor of San Jose and a candidate for San Francisco mayor. Earlier this year, Brin relocated his primary residence to Lake Tahoe, Nevada; his personal fortune is estimated at around $300 billion. He has stated publicly, “I fled the Soviet Union with my family in 1979 and know firsthand how oppressive socialism can be. I don’t want California to follow the same path.”