Story perspectives

Sergey Brin’s $102M backs Proposition 40 opposition

By Drooid · Oct 11, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Building a Better California raised $296.6 million and spent $276.6 million to oppose Proposition 40.
Sergey Brin contributed $102 million, about one-third of the opposition’s total funding.
Opponents allocated $103 million to Proposition 41 and $65 million to Proposition 42.
A September Public Policy Institute poll showed 52% support and 46% opposition for Proposition 40.
Supporters raised $32.8 million, mainly $32.4 million from SEIU United Healthcare Workers West.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, California voters rejected Proposition 187, a $30 million anti-immigration initiative in a heated campaign championed by the Governor Pete Wilson. The Business Council of California and the California Chamber of Commerce contributed $12 million, while anti-immigrant groups raised $18 million, totaling $30 million. Today's Proposition 40 opposition mirrors that pattern, with tech billionaire Sergey Brin supplying $102 million and the SEIU United Healthcare Workers West providing $32.4 million. The recurrence underscores how wealth can sway California ballot outcomes, and since 1994 state has seen battles, prompting calls for finance reforms and disclosure rules.

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Story summary

Building a Better California raised $296.6 million and spent $276.6 million to oppose Proposition 40.
Sergey Brin contributed $102 million, about one-third of the opposition’s total funding.
Opponents allocated $103 million to Proposition 41 and $65 million to Proposition 42.
A September Public Policy Institute poll showed 52% support and 46% opposition for Proposition 40.
Supporters raised $32.8 million, mainly $32.4 million from SEIU United Healthcare Workers West.

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