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NewsLos Angeles Times – CaliforniaOctober 29, 2026Los Angeles County

California political campaigns pay social media influencers to sway voters on billionaire tax ballot measures

Photo: Los Angeles Times – California

Political campaigns in California are paying social media influencers—ranging from parenting bloggers to popular creators—to sway public opinion on Proposition 40, a proposed wealth tax on billionaires, and related measures like Proposition 42. The article reports that while some content creators disclose these paid partnerships, the practice has sparked voter pushback and concerns from experts about political polarization. Meanwhile, political ad spending in the state is projected to approach $1 billion for the 2026 election cycle.

Campaign FinanceElectionsSocial MediaTaxationHealthcare
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times – California

Why It Matters

Voters navigating social media feeds face a growing wave of undisclosed or paid political messaging regarding multibillion-dollar tax and healthcare ballot initiatives.

Key Facts

Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationUCLA“University where Ramesh Srinivasan is a professor.”OrganizationSEIU-UHW“Healthcare union backing the billionaire tax proposal.”OrganizationBuilding a Better California“A group funding advertisements against the wealth tax proposal.”OrganizationCenter for Democracy & Technology“Co-authored an October report detailing influencer compensation for political ca”PersonProfessor Chesko“A Los Angeles content creator known as The Speech Prof who discussed turning dow”PersonBartley Chavez“An Instagram content creator paid by the campaign opposing Proposition 40.”PersonNathan Click“Spokesperson for Proposition 42.”OrganizationThe Old Gays“A group of four gay friends with over 11 million followers paid to post retireme”PersonRamesh Srinivasan“Professor of information studies at UCLA commenting on personalized social media”OrganizationUniversity of Pittsburgh“University housing the Communication Technology Research Lab.”PersonSuzanne Jimenez“Chief of staff for SEIU-UHW, the healthcare union backing the billionaire tax.”PersonGavin Newsom“Governor of California who signed legislation penalizing undisclosed paid politi”PersonSergey Brin“Google co-founder who donated millions to Building a Better California against t”OrganizationCommunication Technology Research Lab“University of Pittsburgh lab that co-authored the report on political influencer”PersonKaren Clay-Fenderson“A Los Angeles mom and retired teacher paid to post videos about Proposition 42.”OrganizationAdImpact“A political advertising intelligence firm projecting 2026 election cycle ad spen”PersonLeigh McGowan“A Los Angeles author and political influencer known as PoliticsGirl who supporte”PersonEvan Westrup“A spokesman for the coalition opposing Proposition 40.”