Introduction

The race for Los Angeles city attorney has drawn an unprecedented influx of tech billionaire money, with investors backing candidates who promise very different visions for the city's top legal post. At the center of the spending spree is John Hering, co-founder of Lookout Inc., who has committed significant funds to influence the outcome.

What Happened

Tech investor John Hering has directed over $1.25 million toward defeating Marissa Roy, the DSA-endorsed California prosecutor running for LA city attorney, and supporting county prosecutor John McKinney. Hering's investment is part of a broader tech-industry effort that has seen founders of Ring, Tinder, and Boingo, along with investors from Anduril, SpaceX, and Anthropic, collectively contribute more than $1.9 million to pro-McKinney committees. Additional millions have flowed in from Airbnb-linked groups, real estate firm Douglas Emmett Properties, and tech financiers Rick Caruso and Ron Burkle. Hering's political reach extends beyond this race; he has previously donated to Hillary Clinton's campaign, the Republican National Committee, and Elon Musk's America PAC, and he attended a White House dinner with Trump and top Silicon Valley figures. Meanwhile, Marissa Roy has positioned herself as a regulator-friendly candidate, vowing to use the city attorney's office to challenge Big Tech, protect workers from misclassification, and oppose AI-driven automation that eliminates jobs.

Why This Matters

The outsized tech investment in a local LA race signals how deeply Silicon Valley is intertwined with municipal politics, especially as cities grapple with AI, labor rights, and corporate accountability. Critics argue the spending reflects an attempt by tech elites to secure friendly regulators who will shield their business models from scrutiny. Supporters counter that the influx reflects genuine voter concerns about public safety, housing, and the direction of artificial intelligence. As UCLA researcher Brian Justie notes, what happens in California often sets a precedent for the rest of the country, making the outcome of this race potentially far-reaching.

Key Takeaways

  • Tech investor John Hering has spent over $1.25 million to influence the LA city attorney race, backing John McKinney against Marissa Roy.
  • A coalition of tech founders and investors has contributed nearly $2 million to pro-McKinney committees, with additional support from Airbnb, Douglas Emmett Properties, and other wealthy donors.
  • Marissa Roy has pledged to use the city attorney's office to regulate Big Tech, protect workers, and challenge wage misclassification and AI overreach.
  • John McKinney campaigns on law-and-order platforms, focusing on homelessness, public safety, and closer police partnerships.
  • The race reflects a broader trend of tech money shaping local elections across California and the U.S. midterm cycle.

Conclusion

As millions in tech money flood the race for Los Angeles city attorney, the contest has become a proxy battle over who will control the city's regulatory future. Whether voters connect the funding to the candidates' policy positions may determine the outcome, but the race already underscores the growing influence of Silicon Valley wealth in down-ballot politics. Readers following the intersection of tech, policy, and local government will want to watch how this race unfolds and what it signals for future tech-regulation battles across California and beyond.