The Money Race -Gavin Newsom’s Lead

Steve Rosenbaum
4 min readJun 28, 2024

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Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, supports Gavin Newsom. Hoffman, along with other notable tech leaders, signed a letter opposing the recall effort against Newsom in 2021. This group of tech executives, including Laurene Powell Jobs and Eric Schmidt, publicly expressed their support for Newsom, emphasizing the importance of his leadership in advancing progressive policies and managing the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic​

Jeffrey Katzenberg and Gavin Newsom have a strong and supportive relationship. Katzenberg has been a key financial backer of Newsom, contributing to his campaigns and political initiatives. Their relationship is built on shared progressive values and mutual support for each other’s efforts in politics and public service. Katzenberg’s influence and resources have been valuable to Newsom’s political career, especially in his campaigns for Governor of California.

Tom Steyer and Gavin Newsom have a positive relationship. Steyer has supported Newsom’s political career and endorsed him in various campaigns. Their shared progressive values and focus on issues like climate change have aligned their interests and efforts in California politics.

Laurene Powell Jobs has shown support for Gavin Newsom. During the recall election against Newsom in 2021, she donated $200,000 to the “Stop the Republican Recall” political action committee. This effort was supported by many in the tech community who opposed the recall attempt, which was largely driven by criticism of Newsom’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other state issues​

Mike Bloomberg has demonstrated a supportive relationship with Gavin Newsom, particularly through their collaborative efforts on climate initiatives. Bloomberg and Newsom announced a partnership called Satellites for Climate Action, which leverages satellite data to advance climate protection efforts. This initiative involves the use of satellite technology to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts, showcasing a shared commitment to combating climate change​

Additionally, Bloomberg Philanthropies has been involved in various environmental projects in California, further indicating a positive working relationship between Bloomberg and Newsom. This collaboration highlights their mutual interest in using data and innovative technologies to address climate issues effectively.

Tom Steyer and Gavin Newsom share a positive and supportive relationship. Steyer, a billionaire philanthropist and environmental activist, has been a significant financial backer and supporter of Newsom’s political career. Their relationship is built on shared progressive values, particularly regarding climate change and environmental policies. Steyer has endorsed Newsom and contributed to his campaigns, highlighting their mutual commitment to addressing key issues facing California and the nation.

Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, has a supportive relationship with Gavin Newsom. Benioff has been a significant financial backer and advocate for Newsom, contributing to his campaigns and supporting his political initiatives. Their relationship is founded on shared progressive values, particularly around issues such as technology, economic development, and social justice. Benioff’s influence in the tech industry and his philanthropic efforts have aligned well with Newsom’s vision for California, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

Logan Green, co-founder of Lyft, is among the notable but less-publicized supporters of Gavin Newsom. Green and Lyft have actively backed various initiatives aligned with Newsom’s climate and environmental policies. Despite some public disagreements, such as over Proposition 30, which aimed to fund electric vehicle subsidies through a wealth tax, Green’s overall support for Newsom has been significant. Lyft has contributed substantial funds to campaigns and initiatives that align with Newsom’s environmental goals.

Gordon Getty, the heir to the Getty oil fortune, has been a significant supporter of Gavin Newsom throughout his career. Newsom’s father, William Newsom, was a close friend of the Getty family and even managed their estate. Gordon Getty supported Gavin Newsom financially in his early business ventures, including the founding of PlumpJack Winery. Additionally, members of the Getty family have been consistent donors to Newsom’s political campaigns over the years, contributing substantial amounts to support his endeavors​.

Steven Spielberg has been a supporter of Gavin Newsom, contributing to his campaigns and political initiatives. Their relationship is characterized by mutual respect and shared progressive values. Spielberg’s support aligns with Newsom’s policies on social issues, education, and the arts. While not as prominently involved as some other supporters, Spielberg’s contributions and endorsement have been valuable to Newsom’s political endeavors.

J.J. Abrams, the filmmaker and producer, has also been a supporter of Gavin Newsom. Abrams has contributed to Newsom’s campaigns and endorsed his political initiatives. Their relationship is based on a shared commitment to progressive values, including issues such as diversity, social justice, and education. Abrams’ involvement in Hollywood and his philanthropic efforts align with Newsom’s vision for California, making him a valuable supporter.

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